By Benau Cave and
Sajau River's stream
Layis lived
in a green forest dream
We eat from a table high
He roamed under the sky
Along with his dad on his side
Every day they walk,
long and wide
Be a hunter...
and gatherer
One day,
Samsul showed Layis the know-how
Of using
a poisonous dart and blowpipe now
The dart flew fast
A catch at last
As the day approached sunset
Dinner was set
Yams and pork belly were plated
Everyone anticipated
Saliva dripped free
In a hunger glee
Juicy meat gone in a gulp.
Bone cracked
Umami taste attacked
Teeth clicking
Lip smacking
Mouth swallowing
As the stomach stopped growling
Everyone heard birds chirping
In a circle round
Joy did abound
Scientists came to learn
Saw if they could make a turn
Crossed the croc's domain
To look at Punan Batu genetic chain
Pradiptajati Kusuma
among the crew
DNA secrets he sought
to pursue
Steve Lansing from the US
in his quest
Explored culture,
its every zest
Punan Batu welcomed them in
Community Engagement later began
Through stories,
they walked to the past
Memories, long last
Bonds were spun
Under the sun
Trust made
Beneath the shade
Scientist then said with a plea
"We want to study you, you see"
"Oh, what about?"
"About our origin
and the future of medicine"
To represent the often-forgotten
Their knowledge to be begotten
Scientists wondered,
what could be gained?
Unexpectedly, a prayer was explained
"Help us protect the forest!"
they pled
Of boars that are now rare
Of the lack of healthcare
Of maternal death grief
they have to bear
Of shrinking of forest
they always take a good
care
Those receive
Must think how to give
Thus, scientists vowed
To aid them, they avowed
By Benau Cave
and Sajau River's flow
Needle pierced, blood flow
To the tubes, red hue
For DNA research, anew
Eyes saw deeper
Ears tuned in sharper
Probing
Observing
Mapping
Scientists recalled
A promise to
avoid the forest downfall
After an open call
Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara gave a call
They have the same call
They convinced leader
To protect the last hunter
and gatherer
By the cave of Benau
and the river of Sajau
Boars return to the riverside
Meat on the plate, with yam beside
Layis learns law to defend his side
with his own guide
There comes a light
After using science to fight
Punan Batu got their right
They are now distinct indigenous people
With rules made by its people for the people
Dream is in sight
Future seems bright
By the cave of Benau
and the river of Sajau
There is a lesson for all to glean
Science may sparks hope,
in its unseen
In every effort for curiosity
Do find ways to benefit the community
Science is not just about discovery
but also humanity