Sabang

Nature has a powerful effect on human beings. When it is still in balance, it can display such magnificent sceneries. These sceneries are so amazingly beautiful, that it can touch our soul as a human beings. Somehow, it brings out the tenderness in us.

Being a student majoring in Biology, I had the opportunity to go to some of the places in nature (particularly in Java Island) where it is still relatively undisturbed by humans. In each of those places, I saw different environments and different sceneries, but there is one thing in common, they are all beautiful in its own natural way.Everytime I stand before a great view, take a pause and let myself embrace its beauty, mixed up feelings come out of me. There is a sense of tranquility. I feel safe because of its peacefulness. I also feel safe because it is somehow relieving to know that these places still exist. However, the relieve can also bring out  sadness because the existance of this place becomes a reminder of the evil of the world that can harm it. I fear that someday in the future the place loose its balance, disturbed by none other than human beings.

But then, when I stop myself from worrying and take another look of the beautiful view that God had laid perfectly before my eyes, I feel calm again and I feel very grateful. It is a blessing that Allah has given us. Hope starts to rise inside. The place is still there. I still have the chance to do something about my fear, to prevent it from happening. It makes me feel like I want to save the world. I want it to be a better place. I want to do things right, be someone, contribute something, use my knowledge, create something, anything.. that can make this world a better place. It does sound utopic. But I think it proves how powerful the beauty of nature can be. It can rise our spirit so high, IF we let ourself embrace it.

Let me tell you one thing, the beauty of nature can also switch on the poetic side within oneself. I would like to share a poem that my father wrote when he was in Sabang, Aceh. My father told me that the beach in Sabang is magnificent. There is a place at the beach called Ujung Karang. He said it’s his favourite spot. I’ve never been to Sabang, but from the poem that my father wrote, I can feel that it is a very beautiful place.

The beach in Sabang (photo courtesy of my father)

Another view of Sabang (photo courtesy of my father)

Sabang

Burung berkicau

Di siang panas

Di Sabang

Mentertawakan manusia

Yang terjebak dalam kebodohannya

Terlelap dalam gelap kalut nasfu dan akalnya

Tertinggal rasa hati

Tercabik nurani jiwa sejatinya

Burung berkicau, tertawa

Gembira akan dirinya yang bebas

Tanpa beban, tanpa pura-pura

Terbang, hinggap, dan terbang lagi

Menjalani kodrat alamnya

Burung berkicau

Manusia menangis

Alam menyaksikan, hening

Tuhan menunggu, waspada

Bila kita tergugah bangun?

(Ujung Karang, Sabtu 15 Mei 2010, 11.00)

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