The Profound Impact of Poetry: Unveiling the Depths of Human Experience

Written by Khalwa Rizmi

[PPIPM-Indonesia & Poetry-Pen International Community, Poetry-BLaD & IOSoP 2025]
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Poetry is much more than mere words strung together—it’s a reflection of the human soul, a window into emotions, experiences, and truths that transcend time and space. It has the power to convey deep feelings, provoke thought, and inspire change. By reading poetry, we not only better understand ourselves but also the complexities of the world around us. In this essay, I’ll delve into the heart of three powerful poems: “Lailatul Qadar” (2025) by Zulkifli Abdy, “A Mother’s Love Need No Voice” (2004) by Leni Marlina, and “Time Ages Upon My Mother’s Body” (2004), also by Leni Marlina. Through these works, we’ll uncover profound messages that speak to the timeless nature of love, repentance, and the passage of time.

Let’s begin with “Lailatul Qadar” (2025), written by Zulkifli Abdy. This poem captures the sacred stillness of the night during the holy month of Ramadan, a time of reflection, prayer, and seeking forgiveness. Through Abdy’s words, the reader is invited to experience the quietude and serenity of a night devoted to repentance. The poet speaks of forgiveness not merely as an act but as a deep spiritual cleansing, reminding us that true repentance brings not only peace but spiritual renewal. “Lailatul Qadar” urges us to pause and reflect on our actions, to seek forgiveness not just to heal our own hearts, but to restore balance in our lives. It’s a call to embrace humility, to find solace in the quiet moments, and to remember that inner peace is within our reach when we seek it earnestly.

Next, we turn to “A Mother’s Love Need No Voice” (2004) by Leni Marlina, a poem that speaks to the quiet but powerful force of maternal love. In a world often dominated by words and actions, Marlina’s poem reminds us that a mother’s love transcends verbal expression—it is felt through her care, her prayers, and her unwavering support. The poet delicately explores the unspoken bond between mother and child, revealing that the deepest love often requires no words. Marlina’s portrayal of a mother’s love is a tender reminder that home isn’t just a place; it’s the feeling of being loved unconditionally. No matter where we are, a mother’s love is ever-present, ever-supportive. The poem compels us to honor and cherish our mothers, for their love is a silent but unbreakable thread that connects us to our roots.

Lastly, we come to “Time Ages Upon My Mother’s Body” (2004), another poignant poem by Leni Marlina. This work is an emotional reflection on the passage of time and its effects on the body, especially the body of a mother. While time may leave its physical marks, the poem powerfully asserts that a mother’s soul remains untouched by the ravages of age. In Marlina’s words, we sense the eternal youth of a mother’s spirit, a resilience that outlasts the fleeting nature of physical form. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the strength and perseverance of mothers, who continue to nurture and inspire even as time marches on. Through this work, the poet gently urges us to appreciate the time we have with our mothers, reminding us that every moment is precious and fleeting. The message is clear: cherish your mother while you can, for time waits for no one.

In conclusion, poetry is far more than just a series of carefully chosen words; it is a bridge between the heart and the world. The poems “Lailatul Qadar” by Zulkifli Abdy, and “A Mother’s Love Need No Voice” and “Time Ages Upon My Mother’s Body” by Leni Marlina offer us windows into the complexities of love, repentance, and the inexorable passage of time. These poems encourage us to reflect on our lives, appreciate the silent strength of our mothers, and remember that time is both a gift and a fleeting treasure. Through the lens of poetry, we are reminded that every word, every verse, holds the potential to transform our perspective, to deepen our understanding, and to inspire us toward a life lived more fully.

Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, 2025

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References

Poem 1:
Abdy, Zulkifli (2025). “Lailatul Qadar.” Suara Anak Negeri News. Accessed from https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/ramadhan-melts-the-rust-of-the-world-the-special-poems-anthology-edited-by-leni-marlina-ppipm-indonesia-poetry-pen-international-community-indonesian-writer-of-satu-pena-indonesian-creator-of/. The first online publication in digital platform is on February 15, 2025. Accessed in April 2025.

Poem 2:
Marlina, Leni. (2004). “A Mother’s Love Need No Voice.” Suara Anak Negeri News. Accessed from https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/time-ages-upon-my-mothers-body-a-poetry-collection-by-leni-marlina-ppipm-indonesia-poetry-pen-ic-indonesian-writer-of-satu-pena-sumbar-indonesian-creator-of-ai-era-fsm-acc-shila/. The first online publication in digital platform is on February 15, 2025. Accessed in April 2025.

Poem 3:
Marlina, Leni (2004). “Time Ages Upon My Mother’s Body.” Suara Anak Negeri News. Accessed from https://suaraanaknegerinews.com/time-ages-upon-my-mothers-body-a-poetry-collection-by-leni-marlina-ppipm-indonesia-poetry-pen-ic-indonesian-writer-of-satu-pena-sumbar-indonesian-creator-of-ai-era-fsm-acc-shila/. The first online publication in digital platform is on February 15, 2025. Accessed in April 2025.

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About Khalwa Rizmi:

Khalwa Rizmi is a student of English Literature at the Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang, in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Born in 2006, in Jakarta, she graduated from SMAN 13 Padang in 2024.
Khalwa is an active member of PPIPM-Indonesia (Poetry Community of Indonesian Society’s Inspiration), PPIC (Poetry-Pen International Community), Littalk-C (Literary Talk Community), and EL4C (English Language Learning Literary and Literacy Community).

In addition, Khalwa 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 Khalwa 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.

Khalwa’s presentation video from the event is publicly accessible via the following official link: https://youtu.be/61jaXNhbxNA?si=HNs4bN2GTrK5ASvy