Two Old Rocking Chairs

Pic by stagnantblanket

two old rocking chairs
on the porch side by side
Indian summer

In the dark

Pic by Lee Swee Wei

Listen ……..
with little puffs
like a departing train,
the wind chases away the moon
tonight.

Softly ………
like wisps of mist
lingering in the hills
memories of you inundate
my mind
and touch me affectionately
like you did in those days
so long ago;
I weep.

Bygones!
Bygones should remain as bygones,
but the heavy silence
allows them in ………
till dawn.

Hazy Morning

This picture was taken about a week ago at a village called Aulong located at the outskirts of Taiping. We were heading there for breakfast and to do a little marketing. Every year during the hot and dry season, the farmers in Sumatra set fire to the jungles there so that they can plant their crops after that. Unfortunately, the smoke from these fires is blown over to our country.

Night

Pic by Lee Swee Wei

night
silence engulfs
the dark

lightly
you touch me
thoughts

The Orchid Tree

While on a recent walk to my surprise
I came across the world’s first orchid tree;
Perhaps I’ll win the coveted Nobel prize
For this magnificent discover

As the wind blows

China - Li River by an unknown photographer.

The wind meanders its way through the mountains sighing sadly and
it makes me feel lost and uncertain like a river flowing to the sea
which winds past silent grasslands, mute trees and reserved
imposing hills, ignored by the expanse of blue sky and shunned by
the lingering clouds as beneath their exalted stations.

The birds occasionally sing their sympathies as they wing quietly
by on their way home in the dusk but disappear into the gloom
before I can ask for directions.

My Worst Fears

What scares me is the bane of old age;
that I can’t grow old gracefully.
I cannot bear to be like garbage
discarded in a dark back alley.

Grey hairs and wrinkles plus weak eyesight;
I sure do not seem like a winner.
Snores that keep you awake all night
can make the nicest person bitter.

I’m scared that I may lose my charm;
that sweet young things may call me uncle.
I would prefer to buy the farm
than having to face this debacle.

[I'm like the river]

Pic by Lee Swee Wei

I'm like the river
winding its way to the sea
lost and uncertain

Bird Nest

From the top:-
1. My flowering tree.
2. The bird nest.
3. One of the birds (in the center of the picture) watching from inside the tree.

I had stumbled upon the birds in the morning a few times in the past month or so frolicking in my flowering tree. They would emerge from somewhere inside the thick foliage, fly to another part, show a glimpse of themselves and then fly away. I noticed that they have a white patch on their heads and white fringes on their wings. I did not pay them much attention thinking that they were probably hunting for insects. A few days ago, I found out the reason why they were there; well hidden inside the thick foliage of my tree was a bird nest.

I had tried to capture the birds on camera but it was a very difficult task. They were very alert and would fly away at the slightest sound or movement even when I tried to photograph them from inside the house. Maybe a disguise would work. I can disguise myself as Big Bird. No, it would frighten them even more and I do not want them to leave because, according to Chinese folklore, a bird family brings luck and harmony. Honestly, I do not believe in all these myths; how can a bird nest, a rabbit's foot or a four leaf clover bring luck, right?

Now I understand why the birds always show themselves to me at a part away from the nest before flying off. They do not want me to know the location of the nest. Maybe they are afraid that I may make soup with their bird nest since I am Chinese. Silly birds; people of other races like bird's nest too.

I do not know if there are eggs inside the nest as I have not taken a look. This is because some birds are very sensitive; if they feel that their nest has been disturbed they would fly away never to return.

I am now anxiously waiting for the patter of small feet or, should it be the soft flutter of tiny wings? Every morning I go close to the tree to listen for the soft cries of a hungry nestling. I wonder if anyone would think of me a birdbrain if I behave like an expectant grandfather.

p.s.
Yesterday I bought a lottery ticket just in case ………………

Modern Living

Pic by Lee Swee Wei


Eyes peeled for scraps
hidden by plastic bags blown in the wind

On the wharf, garbage bins
watch the crashing waves

The chase of the fishing boats
seem so far away

Modern living.

Saying Goodbye Is So Hard

Her sobs, though stifled, were quite audible in the quiet of the night as we drove home. I had told myself not to cry as I wanted to be brave for the others but her heart-rending sobs brought tears to my eyes. I was glad it was dark inside the car.
My eldest daughter, Swee Wei, was the one crying. My wife, Sew Chin, and my two other daughters, Siu Wei and Wei Wei, had been unusually quiet. Everyone seemed to be lost in their own thoughts.
We were returning home after sending my eldest son, Kok Choon, off at the Taiping bus station. He was leaving for Singapore to study at one of the universities there. Everyone seemed cheerful at the bus station, even Wei Wei who is closest to him.
But in my heart, I knew that our small family will never be the same again. My son had left the nest and I knew that it was just the beginning. Soon, one by one, his sisters would leave too and my wife and I would be alone again.
I had dreaded this day for a long time. I did not want our tight-knit family to break up but I knew my children have to grow up and go out into the world to find their own niche just as I had a long time ago. (I realize then how my parents must have felt when I left for Kuala Lumpur to further my studies; how my father must have felt as he stood on the platform of the Taiping railway station forlornly waving goodbye as my train pulled away. I was so excited about the new world opening up before me that I did not feel their heartaches).
My dread became more acute when he started Form Six. I knew then that in two short years he would be leaving. As such, I was flabbergasted when, within days after his Form Six exams, he and a few classmates wanted to leave for Singapore to work temporarily. I was hoping that he would spend those few months at home with us but he was so excited about the trip. It was the first time that he had left home for so long and we missed him badly.
The day that Kok Choon was born, I had rushed back from Kuala Terengganu where I was working at that time, to the hospital in Taiping. The fact that I have become a father must have overwhelmed me. I was lost for words as I cradled the small pinkish bundle, wrapped in a towel, in my arms. It was sheer joy.
We spent the next two years in Kuala Terengganu and I can still recall our evening strolls on the beach at Pantai Batu Buruk on weekends and the way he would tear off down the aisles when we went shopping at the only supermarket there.
We watched television together at night and, when he became sleepy, he would climb onto my lap. I would then put my arms around him and he would soon be fast asleep.
After that, we came back to Taiping and he attended nursery school and kindergarten before starting school at Saint George’s Institution. Then it was a blur of sending him for tuition classes and extra-curricular activities, teaching him to cycle, packing him off to holiday camps, worrying when he came home late.
But, he has left the nest now and we cannot look after him anymore. I can only say a silent prayer to god to keep him safe.
My children have all left home. When they were studying, they would come back more often during the holidays but now that they are working, they only come back during the Chinese New Year.
I know that in time to come, they will get married and start their own families. Things will be different then.
My wife and I have got used to being on our own now. What I cannot get used to is saying goodbye after every visit.
Just how do I stop missing them?

The Cage

Pic by AsSoul8197


I was caged, fearful and sad till
My heart stirred at the free bird's will
To ride the wind and claim the sky;
I must break out of my bastille.

Just like the bird that flies so high
The one that trills a joyful cry
As it soars and dives in the sun;
Amongst the clouds I long to fly!

To roam the world, to have such fun!
To seek the Plains where bison run!
To dance a ballet in the air!
To do all that I have not done!

It's good to dream but would I dare
To cast aside without a care
The fears inside that brought despair?
Dare I get up from my wheelchair?


Inspired by Maya Angelou’s "I know why the caged bird sings".

[behind the tree]

behind the tree
there’s a dribble in the wind
peeing in the woods

Wrap up your woes

I have been feeling a bit down these past couple of days because I have found out that a teacher of mine has passed away. (This is the third death in recent times as a friend and a former classmate of mine also passed away recently).
I used to meet him in the morning at the Lake Garden during my daily walk. He was very fit as he takes good care of himself and there was not an inch of extra fat. It makes me feel so vulnerable. I know, I know; I have often said that I am ready to go but darn it, it is difficult to leave the loved ones behind. Perhaps a good cry would help but men do not cry; they doodle.
This reminds me of the poem I wrote using words with 4 letters or less. Now, I admit that I do know a couple of 4-letter swear words but I can assure you these were not used.


Wrap up your woes,
Toss them into the bin.
Away the bin goes
With what has been.

Keep your chin up
What the case may be;
Go wild at the pub;
Let it out with glee.

For no one will care
Or lend an ear;
No one will even dare
To try to get near.

If all you do is cry.
Need I tell you why?


Sir,
I know you love our Lake Garden so these pictures are for you. I hope you like them.

In the morn

Limericks are supposed to be humorous, witty, nonsensical or even bawdy so when requested to write a serious limerick, I was hesitant. However, later I thought why not? It could be fun so here’s my effort.


In the morn the awakened birds sing
Of the warmth that the sunshine can bring
So remember to smile
And forget for awhile
Go on, soar like a bird on the wing

Do you know of a place where sprumn prevails?

Last week, we flew into Seoul in South Korea looking for spring. Although we found bluebells and daffodils there, we were told that we were too early to view the cherry blossoms so we took a short flight to Jeju Island, which is slightly to the south, where the cherries were in bloom. My, those cherry blossoms were quite a sight!

However, that island of parasitic volcanoes, mountain craters, beaches of black lava rocks and polished stones is also famous for its winds and spring rains so we spent our time outside wrapped up in jackets, scarves, gloves, etc. The temperature was around 17’ C but those gusty winds chilled us to the bone.

After having found colourful autumn in Kyoto two years ago, I now see where a friend is coming from when she told me once that she was looking for a place where sprumn exists. What is sprumn? According to her, sprumn is a climate with only two seasons – spring and autumn. (Note: The idea struck her whilst she was in the depths of winter).

I have now made up my mind that she is sane and have also decided to join her in her search so do any of you know of a place where sprumn prevails?

Spring time in Jeju

spring time in Jeju
canola flowers colour
the wet wind-swept stones

Miyagi

In the aftermath of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit the Miyagi Prefecture in Japan, the Japanese people remain calm and dignified, queuing up for food, petrol, etc. and looking after each other. This catastrophe occurred just before spring when the cherry blossoms bloom and Japan would be at its most scenic.

a crane perches
amongst the cherry blossoms
Miyagi

To the Japanese, the short-lived cherry blossom is a symbol of the fleeting nature of life and the crane, which migrates to Japan in the fall to spend the winter, a symbol of peace and harmony.

Japan is also known as the Land of the Rising Sun and the stoic Japanese firmly believes that, like the sun, Miyagi will rise again.

through flurries of snow
rays wake the cherry blossoms
a new sun rises

A Salute To Miss Emily

This poem is a salute to Miss Emily Dickinson and is based on her poem "The Cricket Sang".

Song of the Cricket Band

The shrill song of the Cricket Band
Goes rushing up the hill
As sunset starts to hesitate
And twilight stands so still.

As workers down their tools and trek
Their way home for a rest,
Shy stars that hide behind the clouds
Prepare their twinkling best.

A grey and tranquil cloak descends
As birds fly homeward bound;
Night slips in and with it a chill,
Day leaves without a sound.

A misty blanket prowls the land
Like tigers in the zoo
The dark night hides its travel as
It coats the grass with dew

An owl calls out from trees above
And sends the night agog;
The moon emerges ghostly like
A flower in the fog

Lee

Robin Ant Hood

There was once a hero by the name of Robin Ant Hood who lived in the green Sherwood Japanese Rose Forest in Taiping with his good friend, Little John Beetle, and his band of merry men. Although John was a big man, he had a yellow streak and would only emerge after the fight is over. That is why he was also known as John the Chickenheart.
The lovely Ladybird Marian also lived there and, boy, was she enamoured with Robin; she would blush a bright red every time Robin is around.
Now, these were turbulent times and Robin and his men had to fight the greedy Prince Black Bee John and the evil Sheriff Mealy Bug who turns white with fright whenever he faces Robin.
But good always triumph over evil (or so they say). Sheriff Mealy Bug was slain by Robin and Prince Black Bee John was thrown into the dungeon still clutching two bags of gold.
Robin, Marian, Little John and all the merry men lived happily ever after.

The End

Is this love?

Love birds by ferix_bucket


Yesterday as I was riding home on my white motorbike among moderately heavy traffic, I suddenly came upon a dead bird on the road. Another bird was risking its life darting in and out of the traffic to try to get to the dead bird and, above the din of the busy road, I could almost hear it pleading and cajoling the dead bird to get up again. Is this love?

Fall

Fallen leaves is by Lee1959
Indian Summer is by Caitilarkin
Snowflake is by BalzingCraze


brown leaves
litter the cold hard ground
bare branches

brief respite
to warm chilled bones
Indian summer

usher
to the blinding white
first snowflake

Love Flowers

Rose by JohnKattt


A rosebud burgeons in the misty dawn,
Alluring and resplendent in the light.
A shy glance and my trembling heart is gone;
Beyond belief but it’s love at first sight.

A blooming flower in all its splendor,
Intoxicates me with its wild fragrance;
While we dance to the song “Love Me Tender”
The kind sun smiles on us with warm patience.

The sun sets and the rose begins to wilt;
The wind is crying as we say goodbye.
In every fallen petal lies our guilt;
Our love is lost and we do not know why.

Ringing

Bluebell Wood by Rajenjolz


ringing
throughout the woods in spring
bluebells

Sojourn in Kyoto

Reflected in the lake were autumn's hues,
Red, orange, yellow in a wild mélange;
Distorted when the ducks and rowboats cruise
Beside the ramen shop where voices sang.

Red lanterns swayed, inebriated by
Rice wine, oblivious of autumn's chill;
I sat in wonder as the cold winds sigh
And slalom their way down the flaming hill.

Then dusk descended like a swarm of bees
To carry autumn's palette far away;
I closed my eyes to memorize all these
Before they’re all engulfed in quiet grey.

I had to leave although I wanted more;
"We'll meet again, perhaps in spring." I swore.

Taiping Love Story

The loves and lives of the people in Taiping, a town where everyone knows your name, are entwined with the Taiping Lake Garden. Taipingites cannot imagine living without the lake and this is their love story.

Clockwise from top-left.

1. Young Love
They met, fell in love and courted at the Taiping Lake Garden. Now they have decided to get married here where it all began.

2. Middle Age
The kids are away at college so they have time to themselves. Even though they still have to work to support the kids, they somehow find time to stroll around the lake every day.

3. Retirement
The children are grown up now and working in the big cities and they have a lot of time on their hands as they are now retired. They like to spend their time at the lake under the old oak tree and amongst the green green grass of home chatting from dawn till dusk.

Okay, okay, it is not an oak tree but I just cannot resist.

4. Memories
She is gone now somewhere over the rainbow but he insists on going to the Lake Garden every day to sit amongst the green green grass beneath the old oak tree where he can "meet and chat with her again." He has difficulty walking and his eyesight is not so good so the grandson has to take him there. A filial boy, he is.

The End.

Bird Stories

Woodpecker by TanEric and Ducks by vaughaag


Today I saw the woodpecker again. I recognized it by the red plumage on the head and the yellow wings. It peered at me quizzically from the branch of the Rain Tree above with dark eyebrows raised as if saying, “Oh, it is you again.” I had last seen it pecking away at one of the Royal Palms in the thicket nearby from which it flew. It tried to look nonchalant but I knew that it was nervous. I also knew that it had deliberately revealed itself to me to distract me from the thicket of Royal Palms where its nest was.

I am sorry Mrs. Woodpecker but I was wise to your trick but do not worry, your secret is safe with me. I will not tell a soul about your nest. What am I doing here so often? Oh, this pathway is part of my morning walk in the Lake Garden.

This encounter reminds me of the pair of Canadian ducks in a park at Coquitlam, Vancouver, Canada. Back in early 1990, I had promised them that I would return to see them someday but twenty one years have already passed by. I intend to fulfil my promise but I worry whether they will still be able to recognize me. I have put on a few pounds, my hair has turned grey and the more and deeper wrinkles on my face have given me that craggy look. You know, like Charles Bronson.
However, I am sure I will recognize them. Back then, there were just the two of them in the lake at the park but if I were to return now, I expect to hear the soft flapping of little wings as the young ones follow them around like in a flotilla. I really look forward to seeing them again.

A promise is a promise and it has to be kept so I must return to the park at Coquitlam and, I must also ask you to promise not to tell anybody about the woodpecker’s nest located in the thicket of Royal Palms right in front of the nursery and beside the lotus pond at the Taiping Lake Garden.


Note:
1. The above episode happened some time ago. Mrs. Woodpecker and her children have since left the nest for places unknown.

Reunion Dinner

The reunion dinner is of the utmost importance during the Chinese New Year. Millions of Chinese all over the world travel up to thousands of miles by car, train, sea and air to attend this dinner at home on New Year’s Eve when the whole family sit down to feast and to renew family ties.
For our children and us, the New Year passed too soon and they are leaving home once more. We watch until their car turns the corner.

thoughts
leave me lonely again -
longing

Car Thief

On Saturday, the 7th of March 2009, my daughter, Siu Wei, and I went for a hike along the Hilltop Walk situated at the top of Telok Blangah Hill in Singapore. As we passed a car park, we heard a strange tapping sound and, on investigation, we found out that the sound was due to a white-headed woodpecker trying to break into a car.
I cannot understand why it would want to steal a set of wheels when it could have simply flown to its destination. I mean what if it got stopped by the police? In Singapore, driving without a licence is a serious offence.

Do you know the name of this flower?

Just like there is the Christmas tree, there is also a tree to celebrate the Chinese New Year – the plum tree. This is because the Chinese New Year actually celebrates the advent of spring. The plum tree cannot be found in hot and humid Malaysia so we have to do the next best thing; we create one. Every year we would strip a small tree of all its leaves and then decorate it with plastic pink and white plum blossoms.

As the Chinese New year is just around the corner, I was chopping down a branchy "catapult" tree at the edge of a forest the other day when I spotted this flower.

I had not noticed it at first because it resembles the purple flower of the "catapult" tree, although slightly bigger, until I saw the two green hairy elongated globes behind it. This is the first time that I have come across this flower and I was intrigued. Upon further examination, I found a darkened and split mature globule with tiny seeds further down the branch and realized that the hairy globules are actually the fruits. I have now planted the seeds and hopefully, they will germinate. Now, maybe someone can tell me its name.