Imelda
(The writer is the researcher of ethno-linguistics in Indonesian Institute of Sciences/LIPI)
The sun was not fully shining its light that morning, but two eyes of Yaben child were ready to catch the movement of small fish along Kabus rivers, South Sorong, West Papua. He games for his braveness here!
In Wamargege Kampoeng, he lives with his mom, dad and 17 siblings. I was so lucky because I can talk and take their pictures. So sweet and crowd familly
Living as coastal people in seceluded South Sorong is not as complicated as living in the big city. The life is as simple as the day goes time to time. He did not have any dream to have video game or racing-car. What he has is small wheel and its stick. A very simple belonging of Yaben child that I have ever seen!
One hour waiting, standing, and throwing did not make him feel bored. In that boerdom time, for me, he finally got two small fish and kept it by stucking the fish mouths into the wood of wharf. Poor fish! Ops wait a minute. What such of cooked that his mom will make for this two small fishes?
Mesak was not as lucky as the storks which were flying around the river which could catch the fishes and then flied away. Once Mesak’s lance was stuck on something under in the river and this time he need adult help to get his belonging. He ran and got the bamboo to reach his lance.
Lucky Mesak! Finally he can keep on lancing fishes along Kaibus river. Keep on your spirit, Kid! The live in front of you is still long journey.
(Special thanks to Mesak and his familly who let me took his pictures. Also thanks to all his friends and brother who informed me Mesak’s house which in exactly infront of my dorm. The gratitude addresses to Mr. Otto Ihalauw, his wife and Mr Wilhem Mambor who supported my coming to Konda and Wamargege. I cannot pay back all your kindness. GBU all!)
(Those sho want to take the pictures must get the permition by sending email to jendelabahasa@yahoo.com)
