Still remember Kabayan? Hahaha… I hope!

Last week I have read a poem by Soni Farid Maulana in Pikiran Rakyat.

I get to translate it. Here it is!

The Death of Kabayan

“How is it, Doctor, is there just a little of hope?” asked Iteung that night.

The perfect moonlight swallowed by night’s mist.

Second by second hour like rain’s drops intimated by earth.

And doctor shakes his head.

And Kabayan lies weakly on the bed.

“Siit incuing ngear,” in his heart.

“Iteung, separation can’t be pending, Akang wishes before die: sees Iteung as beauty as a beautiful goddess, with the newest cloth which syringed perfume given by Wak Haji, whose brought from Saudi Arabia. In order to do that, take a bath quickly!” requested Kabayan.

With slow step, Iteung did the last demand. “Kang!” said Iteung in other room. Dog’s bark shakes gravestone. Shake moon. A moment later…

“Kang!” greet Iteung who look so gaudy, with her newest cloth, as fragrant as jasmine. “What things that make Akang request Iteung to do all this?” asked Iteung. Siit incuing audible again.

“Well Iteung! Akang have been seen the Tremendous Angel in front of Akang’s eyes. Who knows, if Iteung have been beautiful, fragrant, and pray. The Tremendous Angel will not take Akang but takes you, Iteung!”