Figure 1: Rona Bunga Eridona (Undergraduate Student at English Languange and Literature Department, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang; Member of PPIPM-Indonesia & Poetry-Pen International Community; one of the virtual presenters at the 2025 Poetry-BLaD & IOSoP event organized by Suaraanaknegeri.com Media (NGO Santa Lusia) in collaboration with the Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang).

An Essay by Arlita Rona Bunga Eridona

[PPIPM-Indonesia & Poetry-Pen International Community, Poetry-BLaD & IOSoP 2025]
———————————————

What is poetry? Poetry is a form of literary expression that conveys emotions, thoughts, and life experiences through beautiful and meaningful language. Through the creative use of rhythm, sound, imagery, and symbolism, poetry evokes deep aesthetic and emotional responses from its readers. In this essay, I will explore the enduring significance of poetry by examining three poems by Leni Marlina: “We Shall Endure” (2014), “Love and Humanity” (2014), and “O Seeker of Joy” (2003).

The first poem, “We Shall Endure” (2014), published by PPIPM-Indonesia and Poetry-Pen
International Community, powerfully portrays those who sustain the world through unseen and often unrecognized labor. It captures the silent emotional burdens—wounds borne without acknowledgment. Despite the absence of formal recognition in recorded history, their existence and contributions are eternally inscribed in the fabric of nature itself. The strength of this poem lies in its universal imagery and collective identity, emphasizing resilience in the face of erasure and oblivion.

Figure 2: Rona Bunga Eridona (Student at English Language and Literature Department, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang; Member of PPIPM-Indonesia & Poetry-Pen International Community).
Image source: Committee of Poetry-BLaD & IOSoP 2025.

The second poem, “Love and Humanity” (2014), meditates on the idea that love is not merely a fleeting emotion, but the very essence of the human soul. Since the earliest dawn of existence, love has flowed through generations, enduring the ravages of war, deceit, and sorrow. This poem portrays love as an indestructible force, transcending time and memory. Its gentle yet profound language transforms the notion of love into a sacred, timeless essence, offering readers a profound meditation on the endurance of the human spirit.

The third poem, “O Seeker of Joy” (2003), reflects upon humanity’s eternal search for happiness, often pursued externally but rarely attained. Through vivid metaphors, the poet suggests that true joy is not something to be captured or commanded; rather, it arrives naturally, like dusk settling softly upon a hill. The poem invites readers to relinquish their restless pursuit and instead cultivate openness and stillness. Its spiritual and introspective tone encourages a deeper reflection on the nature of fulfillment.

In conclusion, through these three poems, Leni Marlina offers a profound exploration of human existence: the perseverance of the forgotten, the eternal nature of love, and the delicate, elusive beauty of true joy. “We Shall Endure” lifts the voices of the invisible yet indispensable. “Love and Humanity” affirms love as the essence of human identity, enduring all trials. “O Seeker of Joy” teaches us that joy cannot be hunted but must be welcomed when it comes. Together, these poems affirm that poetry remains vital today—providing insight, reflection, and emotional resonance in an ever-changing world. Poetry continues to serve as the irreplaceable voice of the human soul.

Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, 2025

Short Biography of the Writer:

References:

1.Marlina, Leni (2014). “We Shall Endure.” The Selected Poetry Collection In Media
suaraanaknegerinews.com. First digital publication : February, 2025. [Accessed April 2025].
Link : https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/we-shall-endure-a-poetry-collection-by-leni-marlina-
ppipm-indonesia-poetry-pen-international-community-indonesian-writer-of-satu-pena-
indonesian-creator-of-ai-era-fsm-acc-shila/

2. Marlina, Leni (2014). “Love and Humanity.” The Selected Poetry Collection In Media
suaranaknegerinews.com. First digital publication : February, 2025 [Accessed April 2025].
Link : https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/love-and-humanity-the-special-international-poetry-
collection-acc-shila-shanghai-huingfei-international-literary-association-poetry-pen-
international-community-ppipm-indonesia-indonesian-wr/

3. Marlina, Leni (2003). “O Seeker of Joy.” The Selected Poetry Collection In Media
suaranaknegerinews.com. First digital publication : February, 2025 [ Accessed April 2025].
Link : https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/o-seeker-of-joy-kumpulan-puisi-ppipm-indonesia-
poetry-pen-ic-satu-pena-sumbar-kreator-era-ai-fsm-acc-shila/

———————————–

About Rona Bunga Eridona:

Figure 3: Rona Bunga Eridona (Student at English Language and Literature Department, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang; Member of PPIPM-Indonesia & Poetry-Pen International Community, virtual presenter of Poetry-BLaD & IOSoP 2025. Image source: Arlita’s Doc.

Rona Bunga Eridona is an undergraduate student at English Languange and Literature Department, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang. She was born in Padang, West Sumatra in 2006, and she is currently living in Padang, West Sumatra. Bunga is an alumna of Semen Padang Senior High School, West Sumatra.

In addition,Bunga 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 Bunga 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.

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