Exploring Health and Hope in Leni Marlina’s Poetry: A Stylistic Analysis

(an appreciation and New Year’s gift for Leni Marlina)

By: Yusuf Achmad

 –

 Introduction

The author’s acquaintance with the female poet named Leni Marlina has not been long. However, after examining her poetry works, the author was moved to give appreciation and evaluation of her work. Leni Marlina’s poems have been broadcasted on various platforms such as suaraanaknegerinews.com, hatipena.com, and uploaded to community WA groups.

The themes of Leni Marlina’s poems are very diverse, covering everyday issues, education, politics, love, women, spirituality, health, and others. Among these themes, the author is particularly interested in examining Leni’s poems that are themed around health. Health-themed poems attracted the author’s attention because there are not many Indonesian poets who discuss this theme. In addition, data shows that with Indonesia’s large population, health must be a top priority to be addressed.

Several health issues that have occurred and are still happening in Indonesia, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the possibility of new viruses emerging, reinforce the author’s reason for choosing this theme. According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, as of 2025, there are still significant challenges in dealing with communicable and non-communicable diseases. Additionally, Indonesia is entering a golden era with significant growth in the young population. Data indicates that diseases that were previously only suffered by adults are now increasingly being experienced by young people and even children. For example, the increase in diabetes and obesity cases among children has become a major concern in efforts to improve the health of the younger generation.

In society, government programs and community initiatives such as health campaigns and health literacy also play an important role in raising awareness and addressing health issues. This shows the vital role of community participation in facing health challenges.

Out of the many poems by Leni Marlina, the author will discuss five poems themed around health, namely:

1. A Bunch of Longing for Health
2. Health Oh Health
3. The White Bed
4. The Whisper of the Soul to the Body
5. Come, rise, my dear friend!

The five poems above are all health-themed. The author will discuss them using a stylistic approach and other supporting theories, although the other theories are only to sharpen the stylistic approach used. The steps taken by the author include reading the poems deeply, interpreting, identifying words or phrases that refer to the words themselves or as symbols, creating tables, and analyzing them.

Discussion

Poem 1: “A Bunch of Longing for Health”

Overall, the interpretation of this first poem emphasizes the importance of health as a vital element in human life. Health is likened to light that transforms night into morning, providing life and hope. Health is also depicted as an inaudible mantra that gives life to silence, highlighting its significance even when it is not always visible. The longing to regain lost health is reflected in the desire to breathe new air and reunite with a healthy life.

Analysis of Frequently Occurring Words

No.	Word	Frequency	Meaning
1	Health	3	Indicates the importance of health as the main theme of this poem.
2	Breath	2	Depicts life and recovery, symbolizing life and existence.
3	Light	1	Symbolizes hope, life, and recovery from darkness or pain.
4	Longing	2	Shows how deep the “I” longing for health is.
5	Life	2	Illustrates the life that “I” desires to regain with the recovery of health.
6	Prayer	2	Indicates deep hope and spirituality in seeking health.
7	Hope	2	Symbolizes the never-ending hope for health recovery.
8	Silence	2	Depicts the silence and pain felt by “I” in a state of illness.
9	Blood	1	Symbolizes life and passion that flows within “I” even in a state of illness.
10	Desire	1	Indicates how strong “I” desire to be healthy and live a normal life.

 Analysis of Symbols Used

No.	Phrase	Meaning	Frequency
1	cracks of the air	Melambangkan kekosongan, kesakitan, dan ketidakpastian.	1
2	lungs moving like a train on broken tracks	Melambangkan perjuangan berat dalam bernapas dan penderitaan fisik.	1
3	the infusion drips	Melambangkan waktu yang hampir habis dan ketidakpastian tentang masa depan.	1
4	ghosts peeking at the door	Melambangkan ketakutan dan keputusasaan akan kesehatan yang tidak kunjung datang.	1
5	iron bed is like a broken compass	Melambangkan ketidakpastian dan kebingungan dalam mencari arah pemulihan.	1
6	tiny needle that pierces unnoticed	Melambangkan rasa sakit yang terus-menerus tetapi diabaikan.	1
7	prayers fallen among the beads	Melambangkan harapan yang terlupakan dan keputusasaan dalam mencari kesembuhan.	1
8	breath weaving time	Melambangkan perjuangan dan kesedihan yang terus-menerus seiring berjalannya waktu.	1
9	shadows chasing the seconds	Melambangkan ketidakpastian dan keputusasaan dalam menghadapi waktu yang terus berjalan.	1
10	the fire of spirit to heal	Melambangkan harapan dan semangat yang masih ada untuk mencari kesembuhan dan pemulihan.	1

This first poem uses strong words to express longing, hope, and the importance of health. Each word reinforces the overall theme and meaning of the poem. From the frequently occurring words, it is evident that “health” is the most frequently mentioned word. This aligns with the message of the “I” in the poem, reminding readers of the importance of health and how significant the impact is when we lose it. The poem also illustrates the strong longing and hope of the “I” to be healthy again.

Poem 2: “Health Oh Health”

The poem “Health Oh Health” speaks about the suffering and struggle in facing a serious illness. The white sky hanging above symbolizes emptiness and uncertainty in the journey of time. The body witnessing the gasping breath shows the suffering experienced by the “I” in the poem. The dripping infusion nearing the final moments signifies uncertainty and despair about health recovery. Prayers hanging from the silent ceiling indicate forgotten hope and despair in seeking healing.

Analysis Frequently Occurring Words

No.	Word	Frequency	Meaning
1	Breath	1	Depicts life and struggle in a state of illness.
2	Sky	1	Symbolizes emptiness, pain, and uncertainty.
3	Lungs	1	Symbolizes the heavy struggle of breathing and physical suffering.
4	Infusion	1	Symbolizes time running out and uncertainty about the future.
5	Ghosts	1	Symbolizes fear and despair about health that never comes.
6	Compass	1	Symbolizes uncertainty and confusion in finding the path to recovery.
7	Needle	1	Symbolizes continuous but unnoticed pain.
8	Prayer	1	Symbolizes forgotten hope and despair in seeking healing.
9	Shadows	1	Symbolizes uncertainty and despair in facing the passing time.
10	Soul	1	Symbolizes peace and comfort obtained when health is restored.
11	Time	3	Indicates the passage of time and the struggle in facing illness.
12	Love	2	Shows deep longing for health and a healthy life.
13	Fire	1	Symbolizes the spirit and hope that still exists for recovery.

 Analysis of Symbols Used

No.	Frase	Makna	Jumlah Kemunculan
1	The white sky that hangs above you	Melambangkan kekosongan, kesakitan, dan ketidakpastian.	1
2	Lungs moving like a train on broken tracks	Melambangkan perjuangan berat dalam bernapas dan penderitaan fisik.	1
3	The infusion drips	Melambangkan waktu yang hampir habis dan ketidakpastian tentang masa depan.	1
4	Ghosts peeking at the door	Melambangkan ketakutan dan keputusasaan akan kesehatan yang tidak kunjung datang.	1
5	Iron bed is like a broken compass	Melambangkan ketidakpastian dan kebingungan dalam mencari arah pemulihan.	1
6	Tiny needle that pierces unnoticed	Melambangkan rasa sakit yang terus-menerus tetapi diabaikan.	1
7	Prayers hang from the silent ceiling	Melambangkan harapan yang terlupakan dan keputusasaan dalam mencari kesembuhan.	1
8	Breath weaving time	Melambangkan perjuangan dan kesedihan yang terus-menerus seiring berjalannya waktu.	1
9	Shadows chasing the seconds	Melambangkan ketidakpastian dan keputusasaan dalam menghadapi waktu yang terus berjalan.	1
10	Fire of spirit to heal	Melambangkan harapan dan semangat yang masih ada untuk mencari kesembuhan dan pemulihan.	1

From the occurrence of words and phrases, especially the frequently occurring words, readers can uncover the poet’s message in the poem. This second poem is addressed to friends, including the readers, to remind us to appreciate health and be grateful for the blessings given. The poem illustrates the deep longing to regain health and the struggle in facing suffering. By reminding us to appreciate health, the poet also encourages us to always be grateful and thankful for the health we have, and not to give up in facing pain

Poem 3: “The White Bed”

This poem depicts the struggle and hope in the healing process in a hospital. The white bed is likened to a small boat that carries “you” across the ocean of pain towards the shore of healing. The medical staff is described as people dressed in white with pure hearts, who do their best to help the patient. The hope for a better future is shown through the invitation not to give up on small challenges and to see the dock of the future waiting.

Analysis of Frequently Occurring Words

No.	Word	Frequency	Meaning
1	Friend	3	Indicates close relationships and support.
2	White	2	Symbolizes purity, hope, and place of healing.
3	Bed	2	Symbolizes place of care and healing.
4	Healing	2	Indicates the ultimate goal of the healing process.
5	Prayers	2	Symbolizes spiritual support and prayers for healing.
6	Pain	1	Symbolizes suffering and pain.
7	Medicine	1	Symbolizes medication and the healing process.
8	Infusion	1	Symbolizes medication and the healing process.
9	Future	1	Symbolizes hope and a better future.

Analysis of Symbols Used

No.	Phrase	Meaning	Frequency
1	White bed	Place of care and healing	2
2	Small boat	Journey towards healing and hope	1
3	Ocean of pain	Suffering and pain	1
4	Shore of healing	The ultimate goal of recovery	1
5	Dressed in white with hearts of purity	Medical staff who help the healing process with sincere hearts	1
6	Morning light	Hope and a new beginning	1
7	Medicine entering your body	Medication and the healing process	1
8	Prayers follow the drops of your infusion	Spiritual support and prayers for recovery	1
9	Small waves in the white room	Small challenges to be faced in the healing process	1
10	Dock of the future	Hope and a better future	1

This poem depicts the bed not just as a prison, but as a small boat that carries “you” towards healing. The importance of medical support, including medical staff who help with sincere hearts, is very crucial in the healing process. It also emphasizes the hope for the future by not giving up on small challenges and looking towards the future with hope and confidence.

Poem 4: “The Whisper of the Soul to the Body”

This poem shows the dialogue between the body and the soul in the healing process. The body speaks through pain and silence, asking for time to heal wounds. Support and hope from the soul are shown through the smiles and hope given. The body promises to repay with better health and the ability to breathe longer. The body and soul unite in prayers for patience and recovery, emphasizing the importance of emotional and spiritual support in the healing process.

Analysis of Frequently Occurring Words

No.	Word	Frequency	Meaning
1	Body	5	Indicates focus on the body and the healing process.
2	Pain	2	Symbolizes suffering and pain.
3	Silence	2	Symbolizes silence and calmness in the healing process.
4	Hope	2	Symbolizes hope in the healing process.
5	Heart	2	Symbolizes health and life.
6	Lungs	2	Symbolizes the body’s ability to breathe better.
7	Sing	2	Symbolizes spirit and the healing process.
8	Prayer	2	Symbolizes prayers for patience and recovery.
9	Companion	1	Symbolizes support and togetherness.
10	Recovery	1	Symbolizes the healing process.
11	Weary	1	Symbolizes a body that never gets tired.
12	Home	1	Symbolizes the ultimate goal of the healing process.
13	Rise	1	Symbolizes the spirit to rise.

Analysis of Symbol

No.	Phrase	Meaning	Frequency
1	Pain and silence	Suffering and silence felt by the body	2
2	Smile you offer, hope you plant	Support and hope given for the healing process	1
3	Heart that beats stronger	Better health	1
4	Lungs that break the air longer	The body’s ability to breathe better	1
5	Song of resurrection, rhythm of healing	The healing process and revival	1
6	Prayer of patience and recovery	Prayers for patience and recovery	1
7	Companion, never weary	A body that always supports and never gets tired	1
8	Forsaken body, beloved body	A body that was once abandoned but still loved	1
9	We will return home	The ultimate goal of the healing process and return to normal life	1

This fourth poem shows the importance of communication between the body and soul in the healing process. Smiles and hope given by the soul can help the body in the healing process. Patience and perseverance, accompanied by prayers for patience and recovery, emphasize that emotional and spiritual support is very important.

Poem 5: “Come, rise, my dear friend!”

This poem depicts a call from the future to the body to rise from the bed and return to a life full of color. The poem emphasizes the importance of not letting pain extinguish the spirit of life and invites the body to rise from suffering and rebuild hope. The future has prepared space for deferred dreams and unrealized happiness, emphasizing the importance of hope and perseverance in achieving recovery.

Analysis of Frequently Occurring Words

No.	Word	Frequency	Meaning
1	Body	3	Indicates focus on the body and the healing process.
2	Rise	4	Symbolizes rising and recovery.
3	Pain	2	Symbolizes suffering and pain.
4	Hope	2	Symbolizes hope in the healing process.
5	Future	2	Symbolizes hope and a better future.
6	Light	1	Symbolizes the spirit of life.
7	Joy	1	Symbolizes lost happiness that needs to be rebuilt.
8	Laughter	1	Symbolizes happiness and freedom felt when healthy.
9	Happiness	1	Symbolizes happiness that has not yet been felt but is hoped for.
10	Dreams	1	Symbolizes deferred dreams and unrealized hopes.

Analysis of Symbols Used

No.	Phrase	Meaning	Frequency
1	The future	Hope and a better future	2
2	Rise from that bed	Rising and recovery from illness	1
3	Days full of color	Life full of happiness and freedom	1
4	Your steps are free, and your laughter cleaves the air	Freedom and happiness felt when healthy	1
5	Pain extinguish your life’s light	Pain trying to extinguish the spirit of life	1
6	Rise from the ruins of your joy	Rising from suffering and pain	1
7	Rebuild the palace of your hope	Rebuilding shattered hope	1
8	Space for your deferred dreams	Deferred dreams and unrealized hopes	1
9	Happiness you have not yet felt	Happiness that has not yet been felt but is hoped for	1
10	Reconcile with health in the body	Making peace with health and recovery	1

This fifth poem calls and invites the body to rise from the bed and return to a life full of color and happiness. Besides, it talks about hope and the future. The poem emphasizes that the future has prepared space for deferred dreams and unrealized happiness. The poet also encourages readers to persevere, rise, and not let pain extinguish the spirit of life.

Conclusion

If the results of the analysis of the five tables from the five poems above are summarized, the table would be as follows:

No.	Word	Frequency	Meaning
1	Health	9	Signifies the importance of health as the main theme of the poems.
2	Body	8	Indicates focus on the body and the healing process.
3	Pain	7	Symbolizes suffering and pain.
4	Hope	6	Represents hope in the healing process.
5	Heart	4	Symbolizes health and life.
6	Lungs	4	Represents the body’s ability to breathe better.
7	Prayer	4	Signifies prayers for patience and recovery.
8	Light	3	Symbolizes the spirit of life and hope.
9	Future	3	Represents hope and a better future.
10	Silence	2	Represents silence and tranquility in the healing process.
11	Longing	2	Shows the deep longing of the “I” for health.
12	Life	2	Depicts the life that the “I” desires to regain.
13	Breath	2	Represents life and struggle in sickness.
14	Sing	2	Symbolizes enthusiasm and the healing process.
15	Companion	2	Represents support and companionship.
16	Rise	2	Symbolizes the rise and recovery.
17	Joy	2	Represents the happiness that is lost and needs to be rebuilt.
18	Laughter	1	Represents happiness and freedom felt when healthy.
19	Happiness	1	Represents happiness that has not yet been felt but is hoped for.

 The five poems by Leni Marlina highlight health and recovery as central themes, emphasizing their vital role in human life. Health is a recurring and dominant theme, underlining the importance of maintaining and cherishing it. The body is portrayed as an entity that endures suffering but also holds the potential for resilience and recovery, supported by hope, prayers, and love.

Key Conclusions:

1. Importance of Health:Health is the main theme, depicted as a source of life, hope, and happiness. The loss of health brings suffering and pain, highlighting its preciousness when possessed.
2. Healing and Recovery Process: The poems illustrate the suffering body as something that needs healing and recovery, driven by hope and prayers. Hope emerges as a crucial element in the journey towards recovery, providing the spirit to rise from adversity.
3. Struggle and Resilience: The poems reflect the struggle of facing illness and suffering, emphasizing the body’s ability to bounce back with the support of prayers, love, and hope.
4. Happiness and Life: The ultimate goal depicted in the poems is a better future, happiness, and a healthy life. Joy and laughter are seen as results of recovery, encouraging the spirit to keep fighting.

Overall, these poems convey a powerful message about the significance of health, the process of healing, and the determination to overcome suffering. They urge readers to value health, persevere in the face of pain, and maintain hope for a better recovery.

Notes on the Poet

The collection of poems above was originally written by Leni Marlina in 2019, later revised, and first published digitally in 2025.

Leni Marlina is a celebrated Indonesian poet, writer, and educator whose works explore themes of resilience, healing, and cultural identity. A distinguished member of the literary world, she is affiliated with Indonesian Writer SATU PENA, Indonesian Creator of AI Era, and the Forum Siti Manggopoh (FSM). Internationally, she is an active member of the ACC Shanghai Huifeng International Literary Association (ACC SHILA), serving as Indonesia’s Poetry Ambassador, and has contributed to the Victoria Writers Association in Australia.

Since 2006, Leni has been a dedicated lecturer in the Department of English Language and Literature at the Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP), Indonesia. In addition to her academic career, she has also contributed as a columnist and journalist, enriching public discourse with her insights.

Leni’s passion for literature extends beyond her own writing. She has founded and leads several impactful communities and initiatives that focus on language, literature, literacy, and social empowerment. These include:

1. World Children’s Literature Community (WCLC): https://shorturl.at/acFv1
2. Poetry-Pen International Community
3. PPIPM (Pondok Puisi Inspirasi Masyarakat), the Poetry Community of Indonesian Society’s Inspirations: https://shorturl.at/2eTSB; https://shorturl.at/tHjRI
4. Starcom Indonesia Community (Starmoonsun Edupreneur Community Indonesia): https://rb.gy/5c1b02
5. Linguistic Talk Community
6. Literature Talk Community
7. Translation Practice Community
8. English Language Learning, Literacy, Literary Community (EL4C)

Leni Marlina’s work exemplifies a profound commitment to fostering creativity, education, cultural exchange, and social advocacy. Her poetry serves as a bridge between personal reflection and universal themes, giving her an influential voice in contemporary literature.

Bibliography

1. Aminudin. 1997. Stylistics. Bandung: Sinar Baru Algensindo.
2. Kutha Ratna, Nyoman. 2013. Stylistics. Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar.
3. Marlina, Leni. A Bunch of Longing for Health. 2019, revised and published digitally, 2025.
4. Marlina, Leni. Come, rise, my dear friend!. 2019, revised and published digitally, 2025.
5. Marlina, Leni. Health Oh Health. 2019, revised and published digitally, 2025.
6. Marlina, Leni. The White Bed. 2019, revised and published digitally, 2025.
7. Marlina, Leni. The Whisper of the Soul to the Body. 2019, revised and published digitally, 2025.
8. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. “Indonesia Health Report 2025.”