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.