Sunday, April 30, 2006

NOSTALGIA : MALAM

"MALAM" is my short poem which has been published in DEWAN SASTERA (a Malay literary journal) October, 1976 issue.

MALAM

malam bagai sehelai daun
terhampar di ruang kamar
lalu aku baring di atasnya
kedinginan.

Darma Mohammad Kuala Terengganu, 1976

I wrote this poem, during one cold (+ calm + lonesome) night in Kuala Terengganu. From 1974 up to 1978, I was teaching at SMK Padang Midin, Kuala Terengganu.
Just take it easy and happy reading.

(Darma Mohammad)

Sunday, April 23, 2006

GLIMPSE : from my eyes to my mind

Ah, one needs advice on anything. For writers this one is beneficial.

BEST ADVICE : FROM MARY LYNN BAXTER
(IN HER OWN WORDS)

"Hone your craft, then write the kind of book you like to read. While that may sound easy, it is isn't. Writing takes time, self-discipline and the ability to handle criticism."

[Ref : A Guiding Hand, Kara Gebhart Uhl,Writer's Digest, April 2006, page 29]

NB:
Mary Lynn Baxter is a bestseller romance author.

(Darma Mohammad)

Thursday, April 20, 2006

cluster of moments

1.The other day (read : the other night), I was standing on the embankment of the Kelantan River (Sungai Kelantan).So silent.Believed me, I was the only one there. So lonely. I have to talk to someone (but nobody there). Looking around in the dark, what could one see? Only the black water, inky face, black hair, dusky trees, unlit houses, gloomy skies; or whatever you named them; all wrapped up in black shirts (shirts?).[It's okey to me : to put them in shirts]. Certainly, I'm still breathing. I remembered my friend, Wan A. Rafar (also a poet) whose house was on this river bank (this Kelantan River)- quite a distance away - and tried to whispered these pleasant (?) moments to him. Nothing happened. Nothing. Wan A.Rafar know nothing about this; non of his business. Sorry, Wan A Rafar.

2.Back home, I could not sleep that night. Strange voices loaded my mind. Automatically downloaded (?). As a poet (am I?), why not all those voices to be put on paper initially as a draft. Infront of my computer, my mind keep on lingering over. What should I write? Something struck my mind. I was thinking of turning against those feelings which I experienced (by the Kelantan River), into the brighter colors. Bravo! It sounds nice and this was the chance I should grasp. So, I wrote this poem (unfinished one and untitled):
The moon never hurt anyone, no one
but showering the earth gratis
with your silver beams;
touch everyone's hair,
everyone's heart,
inclusive
all trees, all leaves, all buldings - low or high -,
all birds, all rivers : the Kelantan River too;
and me.
The sky is gleaming and trees are glowing.
I feel so delighted. As the breeze or
as the drift.

(Darma Mohammad)

3.Wan A.Rafar and Readers, I'm sorry for this. I have to edit this poem next time ( I do not know when). Post your suggestions if any. Bye.


(Darma Mohammad)

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

GLIMPSE : from my eyes to my mind

One may ask (as I always do) : "How to be a good poet?"

Stephen Dunn (a Pulitzer-prize winning poet) says :
A young poet may believe if he feels something he can be good. A dancer or musician would never say that. You've got to practice. When a poet realizes that and his life over to it, he succeeds.
(Ref: Dennis Lythgoe, Poet Explore The Ordinary, Desert Morning News, Sunday, April 16,2006).

(Darma Mohammad)

Monday, April 17, 2006

Smiles

The color of your smiles
painted on the clouds;
slowly drizzled together
with the wind;
soaking my soul.

Darma Mohammad.

space

There is no space
between you and me;
as between
the sea and the salt.

Darma Mohammad.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Started the day
with a cup of tasty light
infront of the opened door.
The eyes of hope were
never closed.
Started the day with
these golden keys.


Darma Mohammad
Pasir Mas, Kelantan, Malaysia.
April 19, 2006.