He who knows earth’s matters, the secret ones
He who knows true tales
He who knows beautiful legends
He who knows sharp and powerful words

Your mind is as sharp as an arrow
Your eyes are as bright as embers
Your ears wave like flags
Your lips move gently like a parrot’s beak

When have you spoken in vain?
Your heart is full of modesty
You prefer keeping secrets
You prevent people from spreading what reveal
So, who shall continue your amazing talent?

Jogjakarta, 7 February 2002

* This poem is dedicated to my late beloved grandfather (my mother’s father), Simon Petrus Tunliu (±1896-1996), a common farmer and folk-historian (genealogist), originating from the village of Sunu, South Amanatun, South Central Timor, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia.


The Dawanese/Uab Meto version:

Atekanab

nâko Yohanes Manhitu

Ahin lais pah ma nifu, lais leü;
Ahin etus ma tonas amaneot;
Ahin nuun ma hanaf amasat;
Ahin hanfuaf aaikat-amâtanes.

Ho tenbe naäik onlê anesfut;
Ho matmu npin onlê ai flâ;
Ho luekmu nhaek onlê penpene;
Ho lulmu nmaleit onlê kol-kitâ ini.

Lekë et ho muüab kalan-kalan?
Ho muheun mok nek-baun.
Ho mmalinan mis lasi 'tolô.
Ho mkaû tuaf he kaisâ nabenon ho lasi.
Neu, sekau et mes natutan hine amaneot?

Jogjakarta, 7 Funnuâ 2003