A Fighters Lines

Marzuki Ali

1. Why we should maintain / keep our country always in freedom? - to keep living in peace and tranquility - to appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of previous fighters who fight for the independence of the country. 2. Can you identify who are the figures that fight for Malaysia independence?

About the Poet

Marzuki Ali was born in 1945 in Terengganu. Receive education in Kemaman, Terengganu before moving to Sabah. Went to Jakarta, Indonesia to pursue his studies in Art Directing. Many of his literary work have been published in various publications such as; - Utusan Malaysia - Dewan Sastera - Dewan Budaya

 His published anthologies include; - Desir Angin Pantai Timur (1984) - Lia (1988) - Mantera (1991) - Bangau Payang Kolek Sekoci (1993) - Puisi Duyung (1999) - Jeritan Satwa Luka (2000) He is a highly acclaimed poet who has contributed greatly to the enrichment of Malaysian poetry. Also a lecturer in Theatre Studies and actively involved in theatre.

Synopsis
This poem expresses the feeling of the persona who is a former soldier. He was sacrificed his youth and his strength in the fight for his countrys independence. He is now old and weak, wheelchair bound and helpless. His country is facing many challenges and threats. The persona urges the younger generation to continue the struggle for freedom. He hopes the young people will unite and be the new voice to fight for the country.

Meaning of the Poem

STANZA 1 Lines from the Poem I am old and worn And have lost all my strength Literal Meaning (ENGLISH) I am old and tired And weak

Sufferings
And the history of the fight for independence Have forced sacrifices That know no name Or life

I have suffered
Fighting for the independence of this country I have sacrificed a lot Many others could not be identified And they died

Continue;
The persona is old and weak now. The persona was once a soldier. He is now weary and after years of fighting. He had suffered a lot to free the country from invaders. The fight has taken a toll on him. He feels that there is nothing much he can do as he cannot control peoples mind like how he once did to destroy the invaders. The persona and many people have made huge sacrifices for the independences of the country. During that time, the fought hard, with all their will and strength. As a result, many of them have died and could not be identified.

STANZA 2 Lines from the Poem From the wheelchair of the rest of my days

Literal Meaning I am now wheelchair bound for the rest of my life

I, body and energy crushed

See and cannot do much These times are too big a challenge For the remnants of my crippled years The net of deceit spread everywhere disturbs me

I am weak and tired

I can just watch what is happening but cannot do much Modern times are too difficult For the remaining years of my life I am concerned by the threats like lies spreading everywhere in the country

Continue;
During that time, the old man fought with all of his will and as a result, now he is confined to a wheelchair. He may be old but his fighting spirit has not died. He is unable to do much except sit on a wheelchair and give a monologue. Times have changed and there are new challenges facing the country. The persona finds it too difficult to continue fighting for the rest of his life. He feels disturbed by the lies being spread around the country. He is worried the people maybe misled by these lies.

STANZA 3 Lines from the Poem

In the name of justice Wake up and form ranks sons of our ancestors Be brave And erect a wall of people Stand up heirs of our freedom

Literal Meaning Be fair It is now the young generations turn to take over from us Have courage Stay united to be strong Be together and fight for our freedom

Continue;
The persona wants the young people to fight for fairness. There should be no biasness among the people. He tells us in order to fight for our freedom, first we have to be united, erect a wall of people regardless of our race or religion and fight for the sake of our nations harmony. We should not be afraid to fight for our independence. The people of different backgrounds, religions, beliefs, or race have to remain united to be strong. He urges the young people to speak up and fight for the sake of our nations harmony. They are the heirs of independence who stand to inherit the countrys freedom in the future.

STANZA 4 Lines from the Poem I have no more voice It is you now who should speak!

Literal Meaning I cannot fight anymore It is now your turn to speak up and fight to protect the freedom of this country

Continue;
The persona has no more strength left to fight. He urges the young people to become the new voice in maintaining the countrys independence as they are the leaders of tomorrow.

Themes
1. Be Patriotic - he urges the young people to be united to protect the country from invaders. He wants the young generation to be patriotic and fight like him for the freedom of the country. 1. Stay United - he asks the young generation to work together to seek justice , be brave and protect the country from threats and problem. 1. Make Sacrifices - the persona has sacrificed much of his youth, strength and energy to defend his country. So, the young people must make sacrifices and be committed to protect the country.

Moral Values
Love for Our Country - there are many people who have died and some of them could not even be identified. They are brave and willing to sacrifice their life because they love the country. Unity is Strength - we should also stay united regardless of race, religion or background as we are a multi-racial country. If we do not stay united, there will be a time that our country will be invaded by another country.