The Conch [For survivors of Suharto's dictatorship]

Issue 

I spent fifteen years in a single cell
The cold could be predicted, food not so
My body languished, my spirit fed well.

I shivered with the ghosts of those who fell
Two tiny holes let in a concrete glow
I spent fifteen years in a single cell.

My beliefs and principles, my molluscous morale
Would have met a bullet had they known
My body languished, my spirit fed well.

I often told my gut to go to hell
I danced with sanity, not letting go
We spent fifteen years in a single cell.

Meanwhile economic saviours tolled the bell
From my stench history turned its nose
My body languished, my spirit fed well.

The mollusc survived its damaged shell
Entirely undiscovered by my foe
I spent fifteen years in a single cell
My body languished, my spirit fed well.

Susan Austin

From Green Left Weekly, November 3, 2004.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.