The Climbing Ivy: Loosen the Boundaries
In other words, these people now have developed a tolerance for unpleasant sounds as well as the voices of people moaning and groaning about basic needs, matters of justice, and climate change, all of which were difficulties everyone faced at that time. A bubble forms between those exposed to the explosion and the unaffected populations.1
Meanwhile, tucked away in a quiet corner of the empty room, a small group of people was busily daydreaming.2 An old worn-out couch becomes a nightly chat partner. Quietly singing a loud tune that lacks melody. Voice the disappointment of the reality that is happening. The dusty books were stacked in a disorganized way in another room as if they no longer held any allure. Certainly not due to a lack of interest or time. They’re sick of reading about fictional utopia that have nothing to do with our realities.
Looking out of the dusty window, we’ll be transported back ten years before the catastrophic explosion.3 Those were the glorious days when we had all the “time” instead of wealth to be stored in our pockets, bags, sacs, and wallets. A voice in the room said, “We are them, ten years ago …” Yes, it is true. The days when we skipped classes and looked for answers in different corners to satisfy our curiosities. It’s when choices, skills, and knowledge sharing were available, and the sun shone brighter.
This episode is over, but history has a way of repeating itself. One can only hope that the same spirit can be recaptured once more before the big bang. Leftovers from the purchase of rice and internet credit are essential to survival. It may have sounded heroic, but they never considered themselves fighters against injustice. They merely wanted to create a home where people can gather and tell stories after a long day of exploring the world, searching for answers to all of life’s mysteries.
There’s no denying that their city is encircled by historic ivory towers left behind by the explorers.4 Their structure is massive and imposing. No wonder they are still around even after being hit by forces of nature. The buildings are not the only things that last, but thoughts and ideas of an ideal world are deeply carved into the skull base of their devotees.
It’s tragic. The explorer’s presence at that time was like a demon, seizing everything from the land to spices to blood without remorse. They were blinded by the glimmering nature and were envious. They built this nation for their benefits, one by one, slowly but surely. Every infrastructure, from highways to plantations, hospitals to cemeteries, and housing to schools, were built to produce competent workers. The mark they made on society has lasted until today. It’s time for this hierarchy to fall apart.
One of the people sitting in the corner of the empty room yelled, “Arrrghhh … I’m exhausted.” Let’s relive the wisdom of our forefathers to break free from the shackles of ignorance.
ING MADYO MANGUN KARSO (5)
The aftermath of the explosion didn’t last long. A loud trumpet blast was a wake-up call, a signal for us to rise. We slowly realized that the world is not so rosy. Everyone there appeared distressed and terrified, hiding their emotions behind expressions of grim resignation. However, ivory towers are rising and becoming more exclusive and costly. Their illumination is like that of a lighthouse leading the way. And who exactly is this guidance meant for anyway?
Perhaps now is the time for us to act, hoping to burst the glorious bubble, despite knowing it will be difficult. Then they placed an old rug in the center of the deserted room. It has an inscription saying, “Here we are, let’s unite.” They gathered energy from their aging bodies. Let’s Learn from the spores that grow on old walls and towering fences slowly until the fertile land sprouts shrubs and ferns that, at the very least, color this soil. Although it is sometimes destroyed, it will grow back quickly.