Let Poetry Remind Us: Memories, Loyalty, and Courage Never Die
An Essay by Diana
[PPIPM-Indonesia & Poetry-Pen International Community, Poetry-BLaD & IOSoP 2025]
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Why do we sometimes feel that loss and distance must erase the bonds we have built? In truth, the strength of loyalty, the courage to stand firm, and the power of remembrance can survive even the deepest separations. Poetry reminds us that even when someone is no longer present, their spirit, their voice, and their memory stay alive within us. Through simple but profound imagery, poetry invites us to hold on to these invisible but powerful connections. In this essay, I want to explain that poetry teaches us about loyalty, courage, and remembrance, as reflected in three poems by Leni Marlina: “The Stone’s Loyalty to You, My Friend” (2012), “Voices That Cannot Be Erased” (2012), and “Your Name is Still Alive” (2018). These poems were published digitally on the platform suaraanaknegerinews.com in 2024.
Image source: Committee of Poetry-BLaD & IOSoP 2025.
The poem “The Stone’s Loyalty to You, My Friend” (2012) reminds us that loyalty endures beyond separation. The author uses the image of a silent but cracked stone to symbolize how memories and loyalty stay even after a friend is gone. The line “the stone, though cracked, still bears your name” shows that true loyalty leaves a lasting imprint that time and distance cannot erase. In a world that often forgets quickly, this poem invites us to value and preserve the relationships that once shaped us. Loyalty is not always visible, but it lives quietly in the heart, in memories that continue to beat within us. This poem teaches that even when people are no longer by our side, their impact remains unbroken.
The second poem, “Voices That Cannot Be Erased” (2012), speaks about the courage to persevere even when efforts are silenced. The poet writes about voices of resistance that may seem hidden, but are never truly gone. Lines like “they hide beneath the wounded soil, waiting to rise again” inspire us to believe that truth and justice will find a way, no matter how often they are suppressed. The spirit of perseverance is compared to seeds that grow even in the darkest conditions. This poem reminds us that every act of courage matters, even if it is not immediately seen. It urges us to keep speaking the truth and fighting for justice because our voices have meaning and the power to create change.
Lastly, the poem “Your Name is Still Alive” (2018) conveys a touching sense of remembrance. The poet shows how the memory of a lost brother is kept alive through prayers and holy moments like Ramadan. The line “I whisper your name between the stars and the call to prayer” captures the beauty of remembering someone through acts of love and faith. Although the person is no longer physically present, their spirit lives on through the memories we keep and the prayers we offer. This poem teaches us that remembering is an act of love, and as long as we keep mentioning their names, those who have gone are never truly lost.
In conclusion, with simple yet powerful words, these three poems remind us that loyalty survives distance, courage survives silence, and love survives loss. Poetry strengthens our hearts, telling us that separation does not mean forgetting, and silence does not mean defeat. As human beings, we are connected to each other through memories, through struggles, and through love that never fades. Let these poems be a reminder to all of us to cherish the ones who have touched our lives, to stand strong even when silenced, and to keep believing that true connections never die.
Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, 2025
References:
Marlina, Leni (2012). “The Stone’s Loyalty to You, My Friend.” The Selected Poetry Collection in Media suaraanaknegerinews.com. First digital publication: February 14, 2025. [Accessed April 2025].
Link: https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/scrolls-of-longing-for-you-my-friend-the-poetry-collection-by-leni-marlina-ppipm-indonesia-poetry-pen-ic-indonesia-writer-of-satu-pena-indonesian-creator-of-ai-era-fsm-acc-shila/
Marlina, Leni (2012). “Voices That Cannot Be Erased.” The Selected Poetry Collection in Media suaraanaknegerinews.com. First digital publication: April 2, 2025. [Accessed April 2025].
Link: https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/voices-that-cannot-be-erased-the-special-poetry-collection-by-leni-marlina-ppipm-indonesia-poetry-pen-ic-indonesian-writer-of-satu-pena-indonesian-creator-of-ai-era-fsm-indonesian-literacy/
Marlina, Leni (2018). “Your Name is Still Alive.” The Selected Poetry Collection in Media suaraanaknegerinews.com. First digital publication: March 23, 2025. [Accessed April 2025].
Link: https://bonuasastra.kim.id/berita/read/your-name-is-still-alive-the-poems-25728-720104103102/0
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About Diana:
Diana is a student of English Literature at the English Department, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Born in Pariaman in 2004, she now resides in Padang. She graduated from SMAN 1 2×11 Enam Lingkung in 2023.
In addition, she is an active member of several communities including PPIPM-Indonesia (Poetry Community of Indonesian Society’s Inspiration), Poetry-Pen International Community (PPIC), Littalk-C (Literary Talk Community), and EL4C (English Language Learning, Literary, and Literacy Community).
The piece by Diana above was presented virtually at the Poetry Book Launching and Discussion (Poetry-BLaD) and the International Online Seminar on Poetry (IOSoP) held on May 31 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang, held by Media Suaraanaknegerinews.com in collaboration with UNP.
Diana’s presentation video from the event is publicly accessible via the following official link:
