Let Poetry Remind Us: You Are Enough Without Applause

An Essay by Arlita Delfania

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[PPIPM-Indonesia & Poetry-Pen International Community, Poetry-BLaD & IOSoP 2025]
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Why must we wait for applause to feel valuable? Having a strong spirit and determination is already an achievement. Compliments from others do not define our true worth. In a world that constantly demands proof of success, poetry comes as a gentle reminder: we are enough, even without recognition. Through simple yet meaningful words, poetry reveals our strength, courage, and uniqueness—whether or not anyone sees us. In this essay, I will show how poetry helps us believe in ourselves and inspire others, as demonstrated in three poems by Leni Marlina: “The Flowers That Bloom Unbidden” (2012), “Hands That Hold Fire” (2013), and “Why Does That Bird Still Fly?” (2013). These poems were digitally published on suaraanaknegerinews.com in 2024.

The first Marlina’s poem, “The Flowers That Bloom Unbidden” (2012), reminds us to be like flowers that grow and bloom without being told. The line, “You do not need a stage to shine,” touches anyone who has ever felt ignored or unseen. This poem shows that our worth doesn’t depend on public validation; we are already enough as we are. In a world obsessed with attention and praise, we often forget that true strength lies in silent growth and self-belief. The lines, “Flowers unfold without reminders” and “without waiting for celebration,” highlight that great achievements don’t always need to be witnessed. The poem teaches us to embrace ourselves, with all our flaws and strengths, without waiting for external approval.

The second Marlina’s poem, “Hands That Hold Fire” (2013), shows how poetry can ignite our inner spirit. It urges young people to recognize their own strength—to stand, build, and persist. The poet writes, “We were born from the earth’s defiance, from the tremors that refused to rest,” suggesting that we are born from struggle and resilience. The line, “Our hands hold fire—not to burn the world, but to wake what has been left to die,” invites us to use our inner fire not for destruction, but for revival and hope. We are like roots that cannot be pulled out and wings that cannot be broken. In a world full of hardship and loss, this poem reminds us that our wounds are proof of our bravery. Persevering silently is itself a profound form of success.

Finally, Marlina’s poem “Why Does That Bird Still Fly?” (2013) tells the story of a bird that keeps flying despite its injuries and the stormy sky. When the sky asks, “Why won’t you surrender?” the bird answers, “Surrender is the burden of clouds, not birds.” This powerful response reveals deep courage. Even with broken wings and falling feathers, the bird chooses to soar. The poem teaches us that we remain valuable even when we feel damaged or weak. Strength isn’t only about triumph; sometimes, it lies in simply continuing. It reminds us not to give up easily, because true bravery is often silent.

In conclusion, through simple but powerful words, poetry offers a timeless message: we do not need applause to be enough. Every silent struggle, every step forward, every quiet act of endurance proves our strength. As human beings, our value lies not in recognition, but in perseverance, growth, and self-belief. Let poetry remind us all: we are already enough, even without applause.
Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, 2025

Short Biography of the Writer:

References:

Marlina, Leni (2012). “The Flowers That Bloom Unbidden.” The Selected Poetry Collection in Media suaraanaknegerinews.com. First digital publication: February 14, 2025. [Accessed April 2025].
Link: https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/rain-and-the-twilight-of-age-a-poetry-collection-by-leni- marlina-ppipm-indonesia-poetry-pen-ic-indonesian-writer-of-satu-pena-indonesian-creator-of-ai- era-fsm-acc-shila/

Marlina, Leni (2013). “Hands That Hold Fire.” The Selected Poetry Collection in Media suaraanaknegerinews.com. First digital publication: February 5, 2025. [Accessed April 2025].
Link: https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/when-she-became-a-river-a-selected-poetry-collection- ppipm-indonesia-poetry-pen-ic-indonesian-writers-of-satu-pena-indonesian-creators-of-satu- pena-fsm-acc-shila/

Marlina, Leni (2013). “Why Does That Bird Still Fly?” The Selected Poetry Collection in Media suaraanaknegerinews.com. First digital publication: February 8, 2025. [Accessed April 2025].
Link: https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/sambutlah-sekeranjang-matahari-kumpulan-puisi-leni- marlina-ppipm-indonesia-poetry-pen-satu-pena-sumbar-kreator-era-ai-fsm-acc-shila/

Arlita Delfania is an undergraduate student at English Languange and Literature Department, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang. She was born in Sinonoan, Pasaman Timur, West Sumatra in 2006, and she is currently living in Padang, West Sumatra. Arlita is an alumna of MAN 1 Pasaman, West Sumatra.

In addition, Arlita 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 Arlita 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.

Arlita’s presentation video from the event is publicly accessible via the following official link:

“Rain and the Twilight of Age”: A Poetry Collection by Leni Marlina (PPIPM-Indonesia, Poetry-Pen IC, Indonesian Writer of Satu Pena, Indonesian Creator of AI Era, FSM, ACC SHILA)