Democracy of the Third World Poem by Agus R. Sarjono

You must be demoratic.
Alright, but please pull your fist
from my forehead. Shouldn't you be…
Shut up! It is entirely up to me whether my fist
will be placed on your forehead, or in my pocket,
or to be punched on your nose.
The important thing is that you must be democratic.
Besides, we are not talking about me, but
about you. Meaning you must be democratic!

Of course, I agree, didn't I've always tried to...
Cut it out! We don't want to listen
to your arguments. No need to waste time
defending yourself. I order you to be democratic,
end of discussion!
Beware, the mobs of democrats that we've gathered
will crush you down. So from now on,
no more tricks, you must be democratic.
Beware if you are not!

Translated by Nikmah Sarjono