Prof. Muhammad Salleh Poetry Reading at Grolier's

The show began after an introduction of our esteemed National Laureate Professor Muhammad Salleh, by Professor Makita - a Professor at one of the Us here who originate from Nigeria. I have never been to a poetry reading before, atau dalam bahasa kita deklamasi sajak - it was my first experience and I think I sort of like it. Once a while we have to work our right brain. Don't you think so? Obviously the rest of Prof's audience seemed to like his poetry reading too. Well, maybe not so much for the two girls in the frontmost seats - Atiqah & Ava Saulnier who were somewhat lost in space!.

The rest of us were transported by Prof to zaman kesultanan Melaka..,kisah percintaan Hang Jebat dengan Dang Anum.., experiences on Oxford Street.., University life at Ann Harbor.., kehidupan ber-sawah dengan anak2 raja(semangat padi).., our fallen Meranti, Chengal,.., and lots more of his pen-ed ideas; telling his life stories, the many poetry conventions he attended and jokes in between each of them. It was a first time thing too for Grolier, the cosy little poetry book shop located behind Harvard Book Store to receive a Malaysian poet. And Professor Muhammad Salleh paved the way for many more Malaysian poets to come. His opening sajak during the reading : MyLand.......Negaraku

Negaraku
bermula dengan awan tinggi
dan berakhir sebagai ombak menepuk haluan
negaraku
bangun sebagai titik embun
dan bermalam sebagai sekawan kunang-kunang

Negaraku mengalir dari setitik hujan
dan berakhir sebagai muara merah

negeriku menyayup pada hijau hutan
dan berakhir dipermaidani kuning sawah

Negaraku
berkeliling laut
tapi berhenti di tepi matahari

Negaraku
diaslikan oleh Aslian
dan bawakan kebukit oleh Kadazan

Negaraku
berhuma di bukit
dan bersayu dipasir lombong

Negaraku
kelapa sayup dilidah laut
dan bakau liat di pantai selut

Negaraku
indah seperti pemberian kasih
apakah yang dilakukan padanya?

Melaka 24.1.99