Let Poetry Remind Us: You Are Enough Without Applause: An Essay by Arlita

 

Let Poetry Remind Us: 

You Are Enough Without

Applause

Redaktur

 SuaraAnakNegeri

 -

June 15, 2025

Figure 1: Arlita Delfania (Student of the Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang; Member of PPIPM-Indonesia & Poetry-Pen International Community; one of the virtual presenters at the 2025 Poetry-BLaD & IOSoP event organized by Suaraanaknegeri.com Media (NGO Santa Lusia) in collaboration with the Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang).

An Essay by Arlita Delfania

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[PPIPM-Indonesia & Poetry-Pen International Community, Poetry-BLaD & IOSoP 2025]
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Why must we wait for applause to feel valuable? Having a strong spirit and determination is already an achievement. Compliments from others do not define our true worth. In a world that constantly demands proof of success, poetry comes as a gentle reminder: we are enough, even without recognition. Through simple yet meaningful words, poetry reveals our strength, courage, and uniqueness—whether or not anyone sees us. In this essay, I will show how poetry helps us believe in ourselves and inspire others, as demonstrated in three poems by Leni Marlina: “The Flowers That Bloom Unbidden” (2012), “Hands That Hold Fire” (2013), and “Why Does That Bird Still Fly?” (2013). These poems were digitally published on suaraanaknegerinews.com in 2024.

Figure 2: Arlita Delfania (Student of the English Literature Program, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang; Member of PPIPM-Indonesia & Poetry-Pen International Community).
Image source: Committee of Poetry-BLaD & IOSoP 2025.

The first Marlina’s poem, “The Flowers That Bloom Unbidden” (2012), reminds us to be like flowers that grow and bloom without being told. The line, “You do not need a stage to shine,” touches anyone who has ever felt ignored or unseen. This poem shows that our worth doesn’t depend on public validation; we are already enough as we are. In a world obsessed with attention and praise, we often forget that true strength lies in silent growth and self-belief. The lines, “Flowers unfold without reminders” and “without waiting for celebration,” highlight that great achievements don’t always need to be witnessed. The poem teaches us to embrace ourselves, with all our flaws and strengths, without waiting for external approval.

... (to be continued)

Please read the complete essay on the official link below: 

Let Poetry Remind Us: You Are Enough Without Applause - Suara Anak Negeri News