Boros Do Tina

Salaam readers,

Datuk Usman Awang was a Malaysian poet, playwright and novelist. He is popularly considered, and most justifiably too, as perhaps the best poet in the Malay language. He began to form his name in the Modern Malay literary world by writing poetry. His poetry is not only written in Malay, but also translated into Mandarin, English, Iban, Kadazan and Tamil language. For further reading, click HERE. The Poetry Appreciation: Kekasih – A Tribute to Usman Awang and Peace was held last year in September, organized by Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM). This event was a celebration of Usman Awang’s life and poetry, with the aim to explore the themes of love, peace, friendship, compassion and a universal Malaysian identity in his works. The event was a good platform for SGM in showcasing how literature can be, as Soka Gakkai International (SGI) President Daisaku Ikeda says, “an artistic expression of faith, an irrepressible outflow of the human soul with energy to move the minds of others.”

In an increasingly turbulent age, the ideals of peace as expressed in Usman Awang’s poetry become even more relevant today. The event has created a greater awareness in the role of literature in fostering peace and brought a successful end to SGM’s Month of Peace. Also, that was also their way of celebrating Malaysia Day (which actually falls on September 16). In conjunction with the event, I was given opportunity to recite one of his works which has been translated into Bahasa Kadazandusun entitled, "Boros Do Tina." Reciting a poem, though not easy, rather meticulous, is a journey all in itself that presents struggles as well as surprises. Anyway, it was a delightful and meaningful experience for me. This year (2012), SGM once again invited me to recite the same poem during the Himpunan Sejuta Belia held in Putrajaya recently. Heartful thanks to SGM for the kind opportunity.

Feel free to read the related article  HERE. Now, let’s take a look at the poems.

Boros do Tina (Kadazandusun language)

Pinghuyud  olumis sumiliu boros osonong

Osodu lomohou  momogawoi pulao

Kataos minsiriba minsawat orulan

Osodu somorosop mongibit  kosimbayanan

Haro timpu osikit momuapui

Monuduh tapui sonduan tinaru

Popoloput gorud  momiyonod koinsanai

Osiliou kakamot  magawoi kagabasan

Soribu kowoyon mongigit loyou

Powonsoyon di yumandak sisio’on do langad

Biniru-buru tanak wagu mamgayat koupusan

Tinugkusan  ra’ayat mingingibit koubasanan

Soribu boros poboroson tokou

Nombo nangku ka’agal boros tina

Jaku Kitai (Iban language)

Tesusun manah nyadi rambai jaku

jelai pangka mereka pulau

ayun bealun lembut bebungai

jauh meresap mai penyamai

Bisi maya mau nyelar

merechika api semengat bansa

meletup beguntam ngerengkap semua

nyadi senyata ngulihka merdeka

Seribu tingkah mansutka lagu

dikerindu ke indu ti benung berambau dara

nyadika senjata bujang biak nanam pengerindu

pesaka rayat pengempung budaya

Seribu jaku kitai berandau

nadai ngelui jaku kitai.

Bahasa Bonda (Malay language)

Tersusun indah menjadi madah
jauh mengimbau menjangkau pulau
ayun beralun lembut membuai
jauh meresap mendakap damai.


Ada ketika marak menyala
memercik api semangat bangsa
meletus gemuruh menyadap segala
menjadi alat perjuangan merdeka.


Seribu tingkah membawa lagu
mainan gadis diusik rindu
senjata teruna menawan cinta
pusaka rakyat pendukung budaya.
Seribu bahasa kita bicara,
manakan sama bahasa bonda.

Mother Tongue (English language)

Arranged beautifully forming words of wisdom
calling from afar to all the islands

swaying in waves swinging softly

diffused deeply hugging peace.

At times the flames spread high

spattering fires on the nation's spirit

erupting thunders slashing all

becoming tools in the fight for freedom.

A thousand rhythms creating song

played by maidens in the throes of longing

weapons of youths in winning love

the people's heritage, the bearer of culture.

A thousand languages we may speak

none so sweet as our mother tongue.

Photo galleries and newspaper cutting

I am wearing the traditional  Dusun Tindal costume of Kota Belud during the poetry recital event at Himpunan Sejuta Belia held in Putrajaya recently.

Mr. Andy Romeo and Ms. Fiona Kab were among the invited reciters. They are both Sarawakian who are currently studying and working in Peninsula Malaysia.

From left : Mr. Andy Romeo, Datuk A. Samad Said and his wife.

Ms. Fiona Kab and Prof. Siti Zainon Ismail (Reciter for poem "Surat Dari Masyarakat Burung Kepada Datuk Bandar")

Ms. Fiona Kab reciting her poem entitled, "Jaku Kitai" during the Poetry Appreciation: Kekasih – A Tribute to Usman Awang and Peace, held in September 2011.

Above and below : I am reciting my poem entitled, "Boros Do Tina."

Above and below : Ms. Fiona Kab and I. Fiona is wearing the contemporary Bidayuh traditional costume.

Ms. Fiona Kab and other invited reciters (Chinese and Indian friends).

I am reciting my poem during the Poetry Appreciation: Kekasih – A Tribute to Usman Awang and Peace, held in September 2011. I am wearing the traditional Kadazan costume of Penampang.

Datuk A. Samad Said and I.

Mr. Andy Romeo is reciting his poem (Tanahair) during the Poetry Appreciation: Kekasih – A Tribute to Usman Awang and Peace, held in September 2011.

No matter if you're in elementary school or college, you may at one point have to memorize and recite a poem in front of a group of your peers.

Sincerely yours.