Do Not Entice Us with Your World
By: Leni Marlina
We see you, entranced and wide-eyed,
Chasing the world’s sweet allure,
Its dazzling glitter blinds you,
As you flutter like a lost bee.
You beckon us to follow,
To taste what you deem sweet beyond measure,
Yet we know behind the sugar’s charm,
Lies a snare that waits in silence, cruel and stark.
We will not chase your shimmering mirage,
We choose the flower that grows close by,
Loyal and content, offering serenity’s grace,
In its quiet, we find enough.
You seek and never find peace,
Traversing endless roads,
While we remain here,
Savoring each moment of simple joy.
Do not tempt us with your world,
Do not coax us into greed,
We need no more than what the divine provides,
We are content and grateful for what we hold,
And we will soar unburdened, free from avarice’s weight.
Padang, Indonesia, 2024
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This poem is translated and rewritten by Leni Marlina from her own poem originally written in Indonesian language entitled "Jangan Kau Rayu Kami dengan Duniamu"
Leni Marlina is a lecturer at English Department, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia. She is the Founder and Head of some communities such as World Children's Literature Community (WCLC); Starmoonsun Edupreneur Community Indonesia (Starcom Indonesia); English Children's Literature Smart Course (ECSC).
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Author:
Leni Marlina (
Offline) - Published: August 22nd, 2024 22:11
- Comment from author about the poem: From my perspective as the writer, this poem reflects my own journey of resisting the seductive allure of superficial promises and harmful influences. It conveys the realization that while the world may offer dazzling illusions and enticing distractions, these often lead to emptiness and entrapment rather than true fulfillment. I observe those captivated by the world’s glitter—**“entranced and wide-eyed,”** chasing after what seems sweet and unending—I recognize the dangers of becoming lost like a **“bee that forgets its way.”** This imagery mirrors my own experiences or observations of how such allurements can mislead and deceive. Through these lines, **“Do not entice us with your world,”** I express my refusal to be swayed by superficial and deceptive allure. I have chosen to embrace the **“flower that grows close by,”** finding value in the simple, genuine aspects of life that provide true contentment and joy. It is a personal commitment to live authentically and gratefully, appreciating what I have rather than chasing after illusions. As the writer of this poem, I have woven my personal journey into every line, exploring the delicate balance between resisting the seductive allure of superficial promises and embracing a life grounded in simplicity and true contentment. The poem reflects my own realization about the often deceptive nature of worldly temptations, illustrating how they can lead us astray, much like a “bee that forgets its way.” Through evocative imagery, such as the fleeting beauty of a “flower that grows close by,” I contrast the dazzling illusions of the world with the genuine, serene joys that are always within reach. My tone is both reflective and resolute, capturing my commitment to reject the empty allurements of materialism and instead find fulfillment in the simple, authentic moments of life. In crafting this poem, I aim to share a heartfelt message with my readers: to resist the temptations that promise fleeting satisfaction and instead embrace the true beauty of what is immediate and real. My hope is to encourage others to live with gratitude and authenticity, finding happiness in the unpretentious and genuine aspects of life, free from the burdens of greed and illusion. To you, the reader, my message is this: Resist the tempting allure of materialism and deception. Recognize that the pursuit of fleeting pleasures often leads to greater dissatisfaction. Instead, find fulfillment in the simple, sincere joys that are within your reach. Embrace gratitude and authenticity, and let go of the need for more, which only burdens and distracts. Let us all cherish the true and lasting beauty in our lives, and soar freely, unburdened by greed and illusion.
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Comments9
I have gained some motivation from this poem that true happiness is often found in simple things that are close to us. This poem also serves as a reminder not to be tempted by greed and worldly allure. The last motivation I got from this poem is that it encourages us to choose a wise, more meaningful, and more peaceful path in life. ❤
This poem seems to point a way to happiness that is not worldly as Christianity tells that is harder for a rich man to to to heaven than a camel go through the eye of a needle and Hinduism once one has reached the pinnacle of life to become a sannyasin giving up all one has and becoming a beggar. Very nicely written
This poem motivates me to appreciate the importance of living a simple life, not needing more than what we have been given. Happiness can be found in everyday life in simpler ways, not in a constant search that leads to disappointment.
A measured poem, rich in detail.
Yes your focus is on the many temptations, ‘the world’s sweet allure, Its dazzling glitter’ which you want all to resist. No problem. For large proportions of the world, its people find it difficult to find enough to eat, shelter or are ravaged by war.
A paradox; a stern lullaby. Mothers tell this to children at sleepy time. Very nice.
This poem tells me to think about how important life is and also conveys that happiness can be found anywhere easily.
I have got some motivation from this poem, its finding happiness in what you already have instead of constantly chasing after more. It says that true peace comes from appreciating the simple things in life, rather than being distracted by the endless pursuit of material things. We should always be grateful for our life
This poem gives us the meaning of life. The joy, the glory, and the happiness from life that we seek in constant that lead us to disappoinment, while we can get them in simple way.
This poem contrasts the pursuit of material allure with the contentment found in simplicity and gratitude, emphasizing a choice between fleeting glamour and enduring peace. The speaker rejects temptation, valuing serene satisfaction over the deceptive promises of grandeur.
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