Welcome

If you wish, I’ll welcome you once again

From the bottom of my heart.

For I’ve never stopped being alone.

I know you’re not the one you were before,

But like a flower with cast pollen.

Don’t flinch! Dare to look me in the face.

If you wish, I’ll welcome you once again,

But this time for myself alone.

For even with a mirror, I refuse to share you.

March 1943

Chairil Anwar
after the French translation of Louis-Charles Damais