The Young Man with the White Cane

Youthful spirit sparks all aspirations. Armed with a cane and his memorized knowledge, he bravely faced the world's challenges, even though darkness had faithfully become his companion. His vision and mission were so noble: to uplift the dignity and status of those sharing his fate. Under one umbrella, a foundation. There, much wisdom abounded. His name was Mr. Soepardi Abdul Shomad. He strived as a santri (Islamic boarding school student) in Krapyak, sincerely dedicating himself as a violin teacher at the social welfare home behind the eye hospital. Mr. Pardi, with a sincere conscience and a great soul. While visiting the Central Islamic Library after receiving a Braille Quran from a colleague, he was mistaken for a miserable blind beggar. However, he was able to prove that the visually impaired can succeed, according to their talents. Subsequently, he successfully negotiated with the library's leader. They shared the same aspirations. Thus, an Islamic foundation for the white cane community was established, to glorify knowledge and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood. One by one, his dreams came true. He had already felt happiness. To this day, that foundation still stands tall, a home for those with visual impairments. Your name lives on, though your body is gone, becoming a legend with the passage of time. May your inspiration be a lantern. May you always be peaceful and prosperous, and may all your sins be forgiven. May Allah have mercy on you. Bantul, October 28, 2021 Additional note: I wrote this poem as an expression of gratitude because Youth Pledge, commemorated annually, makes us increasingly understand how valuable the younger generation is to this nation. May the problems frequently faced by our youth be resolved soon. Furthermore, this poem is also a form of my appreciation for my alma mater, an educational and empowerment institution (Yogyakarta Islamic Foundation for the Welfare of the Visually Impaired) that taught me many things, thus maintaining my desire for physical and mental independence to this day. And, I also hope that we continue to grow in our respective fields of interest, so that the quality and benefit of our contributions to society are enhanced.