You live in a peaceful village
You grow along with the nature, the green mountains
Learn to follow the rules and wisdom of the ancestors.
In the morning, the cockcrow of the roosters wake you up
While the sunshine has not risen yet.
You enter the kitchen, lighting up the hearth and it smokes out
Later, a hot pitcher of an aromatic smell of coffee is ready to serve
With some freshly boiled cassava roots
‘It’s morning already’ So you said to everyone…
You live in a hut made of palm leaves and trunk
For your children, it is the most beautiful palace ever
As long as you are always there for them, every day and every night
To shelter your children with love.
To the spring fountain, there you go to take the water
Even if it is quite far to walk.
Filling the whole water pot, you carry it on your head
To the farm and rice field you go
To secure the food for your household
With palm leaves, you weave the winnower, mat, and basket
Those items are to contain the goods that belong to your household
You live with all your strength to serve
Sometimes you become weak and powerless
Yet still, you rise soon afterward.
‘The night is coming…’
So you summon everyone to gather
In a table with an ample of food
You fulfill their hunger, thirst, and fatigue
Then, there you sit still
Listening and seeing them talk
Measuring their mind and soul,
Feeling their burden and relieve.
Today has passed away
Yet still you believe that tomorrow is coming
Despite you do know not what it will bring.
You do ask not a lot of things
You do aspire not a high dream
As to you, it is enough
When the future of your children can be bright
Though someday, you might not be there at all to see it….
Dedicated to Timor-Leste rural mothers…
Vitalia Ze, Dili, October 15, 2014
Ahi Lutan 