Ballad 4 Poem by Ahmad Shiddiqi

through Sangiran Early Man Site, in vain
Nightingale dream a princess came to garden again
of stopping out, you still can call shining soul
what shall she say, that it's been lovable?

Ingres walked under the glowing wings
of Hope the ever-present, and hark, shepherd sings
to that luminous chance found overflow in tone
though only echoes lingered, genuine forms had flown

again possess the mountain, the poet's dream
to kindle in the hearts of Saponaria, the gleam
and all the cycled clouds failed at last
now resurrected in her revived past

unseen by children, but loved for the sign
not what Riga sees or feels or touches in line
her devotion outlines nostalgia in our day
lighting the topaz with a piercing ray