Are You Still Playing Your Flute?

By Zurinah Hassan
Are you still playing your flute?
When there is hardly time for our love
I am feeling guilty
To be longing for your song
The melody concealed in the slim hollow of the bamboo
Uncovered by the breath of an artist
Composed by his fingers
Blown by the wind
To the depth of my heart.
Are you still playing your flute?
In the village so quiet and deserted
Amidst the sick rice fields
While here it has become a luxury
To spend time watching the rain
Gazing at the evening rays
Collecting dew drops
Or enjoying the fragrance of flowers.
Are you still playing your flute?
The more it disturbs my conscience
to be thinking of you
in the hazard of you
my younger brothers unemployed and desperate
my people disunited by politics
my friend slaughtered mercilessly
this world is too old and bleeding.

The meaning
Stanza 1
The persona wonders whether her partner is still paying attention to his passion or hobby that is playing
the flute.
She feels neglected by him.

 She longs to hear his song, the song that he plays on the flute and which the wind is blowing to her heart.
Stanza 2
The persona wonders whether her partner is still paying attention to his passion or hobby that is, playing
the flute.
The village is quiet and deserted and the rice fields are dry and cracked.
It is difficult to find time to watch the falling rain, watch the setting sun, collect dew drops or enjoy
smelling the flowers
Stanza 3
The persona wonders whether her partner is still paying attention to his passion or hobby that is playing
the flute.
She feels guilty about imposing on him or even thinking about him
He does not seem to be aware of what is happening to his family, relatives and friends.
o His brothers-in-law have lost their jobs, the people are divided by politics, her friend has been killed and
the whole world seems to be torn by troubles
The theme
Care for ones life partner
Family commitments
Priorities in life
Passionate about ones interest
Neglect of ones duties
Moral Values
Be responsible
Be aware of what is happening around you
Have a sense of balance in your life
There is time for work and a time for play
We must know what is important and what is not