Tekomaria - By Ika Yuni Purnama

Written By: Ika Yuni Purnama

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Presenting "Tekomaria," a captivating poem by Ika Yuni Purnama, featured in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece explores the inexorable strength and wisdom of nature amidst human conflict and the relentless pace of modern life. Ika Yuni Purnama's words invite readers to reflect on the harmony between the earth and humanity, urging a reconsideration of our priorities and values.

About the Work

"Tekomaria" is a profound meditation on nature's unwavering resilience and humanity's often forgotten wisdom. Through vivid imagery and reflective tones, the poem juxtaposes the serene, accepting nature with the tumult of human existence. It questions societal constructs and the often arbitrary nature of human conflict, highlighting the earth's quiet strength and the peace found in its simplicity.

Ika Yuni Purnama

Original Submission by Ika Yuni Purnama

Tekomaria

Oleh: Ika Yuni Purnama

halaman liar

bunga kuning menyala

berlangit pagi

Tanpa upacara.

Tiada bendera dan tangan yang bertepuk

kelopaknya menggeliat membuka suka rela menyela debu-debu

menghadapkan diri untuk tertembus matahari panas

membakar tiap atap rumah orang-orang kehilangan.

Ia tidak pernah bertanya

siapa dan mengapa harus menang dalam perang,

siapa bergumul lumpur berhak atas tanah,

siapa berbaju putih lebih suci

untuk apa menentukan nasib orang lain.

Ia tetap menggeliat tumbuh menantang langit

Akarnya menjalar, menggertak bumi

menyimpan padat pengetahuan purba

yang telah dilupakan manusia:

bahwa bumi tidak pernah meminta apapun

sebelum kita memberi kehidupan.

Selayang pandang,

kota-kota menjadi layar-layar menyala

Angka-angka berlarian menembus mata dan kepala

Mesin-mesin berbicara saling menyapa manusia

manusia membatu, airmata menetes lalu mengeras

Tekomaria,

Di mana keadilan,

apa itu pasal-pasal perdamaian,

apa isi pidato para pemimpin.

Ketika senja hujan datang,

ia menerima air

tanpa bertanya siapa awan.

Saat angin berhembus,

rantingnya bergoyang, helai-helai daun menari

tanpa meminta angin memilih.

Dan ketika matahari kembali,

ia menyapa tanpa menuntut dunia

membayar kembali hari-hari gelapnya.

Jakarta, 12 Oktober 2026

TEKOMARIA

By Ika Yuni Purnama

A wild courtyard

yellow blossoms aflame

beneath the morning sky.

No ceremony.

No flags, no hands applauding.

Its petals unfurl of their own accord,

stirring the dust,

turning toward the scorching sun

that sears the rooftops

of those who have lost everything.

It never asks

who must win a war, or why;

who, wrestling in the mud,

has the right to claim the earth;

who, dressed in white,

is pure enough

to decide another’s fate.

It keeps unfurling,

keeps growing,

defiant against the sky.

Its roots creep outward,

gripping the earth,

harbouring the dense wisdom of ancient time

that humankind has forgotten:

that the earth never asks

who we are

before granting us life.

A fleeting glance

cities turn into glowing screens.

Numbers race

through eyes and minds.

Machines speak,

greeting humans in voices of their own.

Humans turn to stone.

Tears fall,

then harden.

Tekomaria,

where is justice?

What do the articles of peace contain?

What truth lies

in the speeches of those who lead?

When evening rain descends,

you receive the water

without asking

which cloud it came from.

When the wind begins to breathe,

your branches sway,

your leaves dance,

never asking the wind

to choose a side.

And when the sun returns,

you greet its light

without demanding that the world

repay you

for all the days of darkness.

Jakarta, 12 October 2026

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates diverse voices and creative expressions from around the world. This esteemed platform offers a unique opportunity for poets and writers to share their work with a global audience, fostering a vibrant community of artistic exploration and dialogue.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ika Yuni Purnama for sharing "Tekomaria" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your evocative poem serves as a beautiful reminder of the enduring wisdom of nature and the importance of introspection in our lives.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.