I find myself lost — both in language and in purpose. I push myself to read, seeking knowledge and critical thinking to expand beyond my limited thoughts.
Recently, I came across a book by M. Bakri Musa, a Silicon Valley–based surgeon who writes about Malaysian issues. Though published in 2013, before many of Malaysia’s recent transformations, his reflections remain strikingly relevant. His discussion of a poem about the “caged mind” deeply resonated with me.
His discussion of the “Free Mind” on page 155 captured my attention, and I later found that he still maintains an active blog.
“We have to create a new or modify existing narrative to be more reflective of reality, one that would also be more useful and productive” (Page 155- the meaning of a Free Mind).
Blog: https://bakrimusa.blogspot.com/
He is a brilliant Muslim thinker whom I deeply respect. But, I must stress that I am not interested in embracing Islam; rather, my interest is analytical — to understand the mindset and motivations behind his perspectives. This has prompted me to study his blog and recorded poems more closely.
The Caged Mind (translated by M. Bakri Musa from Ahmad Wan Yet’s Burung dalam Sangkar”)
Pity the caged mind (Wahai kau minda dalam sangkar),
How truly sad its kind! (Sungguh nasibmu malang benar)
The world beyond swirls around (tak seorang pun ambil tahu)
His is furrowed with frowns. (duka dan lara diminda mu)
Pity the caged mind (Wahai kau minda dalam sangkar)
Tortured sans timelines (dapatkah kau menahan seksa)
While the callous cruel world (dari kekejaman dunia)
Continous with its twirl. (yang tak tahu menimbang rasa)
Self-worth battered, spirit shattered (batinmu nangis jiwa patah)
With only tears to write your plight (Riwayat tertulis penuh dengan tetesan air mata)
It’s only a test, they say, (sungguh ini satu ujian)
Faith, patience the only way, (tetapi hendaklah kau bersabar)
Have faith in Allah, you pray! (jujurlah kepada Tuhan)
Freedom (Page 236)
From: Selamat Pulang, Juita (Welcome Home, Juita)
For freedom is the life’s environment, That will nurture you
Letting shoots of believe grow, Blossoming to become seeds
To be free is to learn to be responsible, That comes with its rights
Freedom assists feelings, At is conceives ideas.
Freedom is the chisel in the master builder’s hand
Color to sight, And words to thought
Study its soul, So that you may live free!
From: Beyond the Archipelago: Selected Poems By Muhammad Haji Salleh
(Reprinted with permission by M. Bakri Musa- Liberating the Malay Mind, 2013)