Where I'm From



I am from one dot in the sky,
from gravels and ripe starfruit
I am from the crowded housing complex
I am from the scent of jasmine, the guava tree



I am from reading stories and round face,
from Aditya and Lestari
From “hide your feeling” and “every women must endure this”
I am from Jakarta, East Java and farmers,
karedok and rujak cingur



From praying together and take care each other
From unemployment and saving my pocket money
I am from Jakarta suburb,
from Betawi neighborhood,
from embracing diversity that shape my country



July 20, 2014
Niken Lestari

First Story
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