Dragon Seeds

A bold young man in his twenties
Left Guangzhou Province in China
To face the rough and violent seas
Sailing to far-off Malaya

It was the nineteen twenties
And China was torn by strife
He had to make some monies
For his family to survive

The journey was a long one
And life on board was a bore
It was close to a month
Before he could step on shore

He made his way to Larut
Where tin mines were flourishing
And towkays were out to recruit
Workers to do the mining

But he was a skillful tailor
Probably one of the top
So, instead of being a tin-miner
He set up his own shop

He slogged and struggled so tough
That his business began to thrive
Very soon he had saved enough
To send for his lovely young wife

Together the young couple strived
To earn enough money
To keep themselves alive
And send back to the family

She soon bore him two sons
Which made him swell with pride
But they were also the reasons
Their expenses took a hike

The situation then was such
They survived from day to day
Alas, the strain was too much
The young mother passed away

The two young boys then grew up
Being cared for by their stepmother
Studies, they soon had to give up
To learn the trade of a tailor

The elder son began working
With the famed British Army
At a camp in Klian Pauh, Taiping
In a shed facing the entry

I can’t think of anything worse
Then this earnest young man’s plight
For he knew just three English words
Which were “Yes”, “No” and “Alright”

How it was not a deterrent
I really don’t have a clue
He managed to raise ten children
And send them all to school

That, my children, is the story
Of two brave young men indeed
Who overcame every adversity
Two of China’s Dragon Seeds

Their spirits were indomitable
They faced life with pluck
Strong, courageous and capable
They do not depend on luck

You, my children, are the ones chosen
To perpetuate your ancestors’ deeds
To follow this path, well-trodden
As you are all Dragons Seeds

You’ve to fight life’s battles with valour
Treat your kith and kin with care
Give your best with every endeavour
And never ever seek Welfare

It’s for those helpless and destitute
Who cannot cover their needs
Don’t bring us into disrepute
Remember, you are Dragon Seeds

Always live to your full potential
Strive to win every distinction
Seek achievements that are special
For you, for us and for the nation

I have decided to buy myself a tree

I have been reading about the effect of trees on the environment - how they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. I have also read about those billionaires who buy huge tracts of forests/jungles to be preserved for posterity so that the future generations have the chance to appreciate nature and also, to act as an “oxygen factory”.

Since I am not yet a billionaire, I have decided to buy myself a tree. I know, one tree is not much but I am hoping that my tree will be able to provide enough oxygen for a butterfly or a honey bee. I will hate it if my tree provides just enough oxygen for a mosquito. Those mosquitoes and I do not get along; they tend to get under my skin.

I would consider a horse-chestnut tree because of its size, its widely spreading branches which would provide ample shade, and its tall clusters of pretty white or pink flowers. A giant oak tree would also be appropriate because of its hard wood and because I like the idiom “great oaks from little acorns grew”. I would also like to purchase the land that the tree is planted on which should include a space of about two feet around the base of the tree. This is because I do not want to receive a message one fine day asking me to remove my tree because somebody wants the land back.

If it is possible, I would also like a certificate of ownership in case of future dispute. Of course, if I frame it, I can hang it in my den. After all, how many of you actually own a tree?

The location of the tree is of the utmost importance. I would prefer a tree on an island in a picturesque lake, or on top of a hill overlooking a beautiful valley. The tree must never be in the centre of the city, exposed to the toxic smog and the awful pollution and with the sunlight blocked off by all those tall buildings. Then, there are those kids who like to carve messages with their knives and the dogs that love to pee against tree trunks.

Finally, when I die, I want my ashes to be buried there, in the shade of my tree. I can then guard the tree as a tree spirit. Or is it free spirit? Anyhow, I will place a curse on anyone who harms my tree. He or she will have seven years of no luck; I stress, it is no luck and not bad luck. I do not want anything bad to happen to them; just that he or she will have no luck with love, the lottery, the horses, etc.

So, does anyone have a suitable tree for sale? Is there a kindred spirit out there also looking to buy a tree?

Consideration

To write, one needs courage and confidence
To disparage, one only needs petulance
Passing caustic comments
On what another presents
Seeking glory in one’s stark arrogance