Yanma Hidayah

The Flame

by Yanma Hidayah

Sunday 16th February 2025 1:21 pm

Mom, that night,
candlelight shone bright,
but it was not enough to brighten her sight.

Like moths drawn to the flame,
giving submission to a dame,
surrendering to the same aim.

Mom, the girl clung to the bushy.
And, from the deep valley,
She asked gently,

Does a queen need to show her skin to win the king?

Does a queen need to bow down to get all her work done?

Mom, it all feels confusing;
the flame may give her nothing,
but just an end to something.

🌷(6)

◄ God, Where Is This Actually Going?

Diligent ►

Comments

Yanma Hidayah

Sun 23rd Feb 2025 10:15

Thank you @John Marks, you have taught me something new. I agree with the "creative ambiguity" you mentioned. That has also been one of my considerations before, in my tendency related to disagreement. One thing that concerns me when I write is that I realize the truth can hurt someone. However, personally, through poetry, I have learned to convey the truths I have gained to share with others in a beautiful way. Poets in their writings express their truths through the richness of vocabulary they possess and metaphors that present ideas with the beauty of their deep thoughts. Not only that, I also see that people express their voices to the public creatively through forms like sculptures, paintings, songs, theatrical performances, films, and dance. I believe that creativity helps people voice their truths gently and beautifully. They invite the public into their voices through the creativity they present, and I interpret that as a brave step. However, I also tend to agree with what you mentioned, I realized that in certain cases, let’s say in my interactions with people (face to face), I find myself not able to voice my truth.

John Marks

Sat 22nd Feb 2025 16:24

Thank you Yanma. Creative ambiguity is, in my opinion, the only way to cope with the conflicting demands made on people by the mere processes of living. How often do we bite our tongue and refuse to speak or write honestly. We do not wish to offend or hurt or embarrass or make angry and so we prevaricate - conscience does indeed make cowards of us all. Seamus Heaney's advice was "Whatever you say, say nothing."

Yanma Hidayah

Sat 22nd Feb 2025 00:25

@John Marks, I don't want to disagree, but I don't know how to agree.
Thank you, John..

John Marks

Fri 21st Feb 2025 11:44

Conscience doth make cowards of us all. I loved your use of a chiming rhyme.

Yanma Hidayah

Tue 18th Feb 2025 06:03

Thank you for your kind words, @RolphDavid. Your thoughtful interpretation means a lot to me. A little about the backstory of the poem: the main concern lies in the line, "Does a queen need to show her skin to win the king?" That was the first line that came to my mind. I came up with it shortly after I saw Kanye West and his wife on the red carpet at the 2025 Grammys. However, that doesn't mean I consider Kanye to be a king. For me, as a woman, witnessing that makes me feel his wife is being demeaned. This statement may be controversial, but I think most would agree that something valuable should be protected. An analogy I can provide is that if we have money, we would certainly keep it safe rather than display it publicly. This doesn't mean women shouldn't appear in public, but it pertains to how they dress. Their bodies are valuable, and it is something that needs to be treasured and kept safe. Even though there is freedom regarding how women dress, I believe there should still be boundaries applied. I think, for women, there is a sense of self-worth that they need to uphold. However, when I see her, I feel that a woman's value is merely an accessory to a man. And that truly breaks my heart. Through that poem, I aim to present a perspective from a girl who is asking her mother what a queen should be. I personally believe that a mother's position holds the title of queen, as she has successfully won the heart of her king, who is her husband.
Regards,
Yanmah

Rolph David

Mon 17th Feb 2025 15:16

Dear Yanma,

For me, your "The Flame" beautifully explores themes of self-worth, submission, and identity with poignant imagery. The candlelight and flame metaphors create a vivid contrast between external allure and internal conflict. I appreciate the depth in the questioning voice, as it subtly reflects on the complexities women face in trying to balance strength and vulnerability.
Regards,
Rolph

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