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Tropical Currents: Writing by Indonesian Women

January 2009

Womb

There is no need to explain; I understand.

Translated from Indonesian by John H. McGlynn

Mother’s Letter

By Dorothea Rosa Herliany

I write my letter, it has no address other than my longing.

Translated from Indonesian by Harry Aveling

Maybe Not Yem

The woman was terrorizing me. Damn it all!

Translated from Indonesian by Andy Fuller

The Kitchen

By Lily Yulianti Farid

I grew up at the large kitchen table, watching Ruth sift flour and mix various kinds of dough.

Translated from Indonesian by John H. McGlynn

Road to Heaven

By Abidah El Khalieqy

Her eyes were fixed on the distant sky and a smile, befitting an angel of paradise, floated on her lips.

Translated from Indonesian by John H. McGlynn

Cik Giok

By Reda Gaudiamo

Don’t forget to buy something for Cik Giok to wear . . .

Translated from Indonesian by John H. McGlynn

The Rooms Out Back

By Nenden Lilis A.

I said we rise at 7:30 but we actually wake up at 4:30—before our baby’s first cries and the morning call to prayer

Translated from Indonesian by John H. McGlynn

The Century Carver

Odd, where was it coming from, this smell that made him feel so agitated?

Translated from Indonesian by Pamela Allen