Ruby - Astari Boedikoentjara
I’m just a number,
not a person,
at least according to them.
If I die as the only one,
then it doesn’t matter.
I’m just a dot in their statistics.
The generation gap:
“They’re just little kids,
so young and still stupid.
You need us and we need you
like humanity needs to stay true
Why do we need to be reminded
by another tragedy that leaves us shattered?
A tremor that shook you all
You don’t know me well enough
especially to live my life
to make such short-sighted assumptions.
That’s okay, though.
Everyone’s entitled to their own opinions,
no matter how flawed.
When you're gone
I wish for another day with you
Impossible but it's true
No one is ever ready for such news
Another year gone by
left without questions why
The same old rituals
the familiar matters
The same old, mundane conversation
No break for you now,
‘though it seems unfair somehow
You have to keep on working,
no matter how exhausting
Others with less or zero effort
pointing fingers is easy
while ignoring a broken mirror
existing before you
showing your distorted reflection
due to your refusal
to acknowledge your narcissism
What have I learned from 2024?
Honesty's still the best policy
although it makes you bleed
and may cut or sever ties
often permanently.
How do I let you go?
They wonder if I’m in denial.
I’m not putting up on a show,
just you – on a pedestal.
I was glad to see you that night.
Are you an urban youngster, a yuppie, or a Cassanova-wannabe?
I think you’re all three,
desperately trying to convince
your amused audience
that you’re such a catch
to women all around this busy town
Are we in the era of escalating vanity?
So many strike a pose
It’s where anything goes
Once or twice ain’t enough
There’s always that extra dose
