Pages

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Yosemite

Yosemite

By May Kwek

There is a place carved by glaciers
That no one knew was there
It grew wild and unfettered
With freedom in the air

It was hidden away for eons
This temple of nature grand
Locked away for ages
From the sight of man

No one thought to look
For such a place could not exist
Such a place, so remote
It was easy to miss

But to see it, to discover it
Is worth every trouble to get there
For the place breathes of magic
And it lingers in the air

To see the brilliant Yosemite falls
Glide down to the earth
Like wisps of smoke slowly descending
While singing of the day with mirth

Then to go closer
Simply stop and stare
Hear the roar of the water
As the spray flies up to the air

To stand simply amazed
As the roaring falls transforms into a river
That weaves its way through the forest
As though strolling but even slower

And to hear the laughter of that river
As it skips over rocks and stones
Is to drink the deepest contentment
That I have ever known

But then to look up and stare
Uncomprehending at the mountains
At the glistening snow that powders it
And the musical silence, listen!

Listen to the song of the mountains
The majesty that fills your soul
The harmonizing of the trees
Upturns all beauty you have known

And to see the same snow on Half dome
Winding paths for you through the forest
Where as you walk the sweet singing of birds
Can be heard from amongst the trees caress

And the clear Merced river
As it silently flows
With water as clear as crystal
And the river bed shows

Oh but what are these words
But a lone lamp compared to the day
For some things make you catch your breath
But this takes it away

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

Christmas' Song

Christmas' Song

By May Kwek

Oh rejoice it is Christmas!
The brightest day of the year
Even if not apparent in the sky
Our hearts are filled with cheer!

There is a song in the air
It has been singing since the morn
Can you hear what it is saying?
That the Savior is born!

Oh it is a grand old song
That has been played for thousands of years
But on Christmas day
Is when it seems near

It is a song that fills my heart
That adds a spring in my step
A joy that can’t be torn apart
That for a year has slept

This song that rises through the air
And fills the hearts of men
Seeks out their hurts and then
Slowly helps them mend

This joy that makes one want to sing
To jump into the sky and take wing
This is the joy of the Christmas morn
It is the joy that the Savior is born!

This is what makes Christmas Christmas
More than any Christmas tree
More than a truck load of presents
Tucked under the tree

More than traditions and dinners
And laughter with family
Not that these aren't important
But none can make me as happy

As the joy
That my Savior's birth has given
That one day soon
We will be with him in heaven

And that thanks to his gift
We shall never be apart
And for that Christmas’s joy
Shall ever be in my heart!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Forest Melody

Forest Melody

By May Kwek

The forest melody is high and shrill
It speaks of a life ever in a thrill
As wild as the distant hills
Lived only through force of will

Its song lasts long into the night
And is renewed with the morning light
It’s only ever heard, it’s never in sight
But yet seems mysterious and bright

It is sung by the lingering breeze
The ever swaying, whispering trees
By the birds hiding amongst the leaves
And the rippling forest streams

It is heard by all with ears
Both the young and old in years
Some find in it safety and others fear
For either way the forest in near

For it sings of life in the tree’s shadows
Of its many highs and many lows
Of the dances meant just for show
And fights for one’s life to hold

And forever will the forest melody be sung
As it has since the forest first begun
Of life springing in the sun
And resting when the day is done

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

Lady Storm

Lady Storm

By May Kwek

Lady Storm is walking through
Her head as high as the clouds
Ominous, dark and thick as a blanket
Harbinger of doubts

Lightning flashes from her eyes
And they are shockingly bright
She roars in anger and in pain
Till the day is as dark as night

Her tears fall like rain of arrows
Falling through the air
And drapes around her like a fine veil
As delicate as a hair

And as she glides through the town
It sways with each step
Swooshing like a curtain in the wind
In the middle of an afternoon nap

But oh how she cries and cries
As she has ever since she was born
So mind where you go and mind where you sleep
And watch out for Lady Storm

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Pirate treasure

Pirate treasure

By May Kwek

Something lost something found
Something buried underground
Something that glitters something gold
Something that has men’s hearts in its hold

Something pure something tainted
Something worth less than it’s measured
Something stolen something given
Something of hell something of heaven

Something left beneath the sand
Something passed from hand to hand
Something of cost something free
Something of land something of sea

Something belonging to kings and queens
Something of the wildest dreams
Something of the twinkling night sky
Something of the sun blazing high

Something something, beneath the sand
Something something, a treasure map at hand
Something something, that we hope to see
Something something, that the foolish think is free


Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

Fire in the night

Fire in the night

By May Kwek

It was a perfectly ordinary evening
That faded to a perfectly ordinary night
Inside some were sleeping
Or reading by the lamp light

Then there came a perculiar smell
That we couldn’t quite place
It smelled to me like incense
But there was none in this place

In vain we searched
All around the room
Then turned to the window and found
Smoke obscuring the moon

Dimly we seemed to hear
The calls of “Fire!”
So we left our home quickly
To see what was the matter

But when we reached the lowest floor
It was a horror that we found
Flames that blazed out like a serpent’s tongue
Hell on earth not underground

Like a river of flames
It gushed out from the window
Flickering, leaping
As the frame melted and broke

And fell glowing red
On to the ground
Oh how some screamed
At that sight and sound

Rising ever higher 
The flames vaporised to smoke
As black as the night that surrounded it
To choke out any hope

Then some sank like whispers
Closer to the ground
And I felt the heat of the fire
Though I was seven floors down

And around me a hoard had gathered
And we stared and stared
Others whipped up phones and cameras
And their hopes and fears shared

Little children clung on to their mothers
Their faces drawn with worry and fear
And their mothers knowing without words
Quietly drew them near

And the fire continued to blaze
A bright inferno in the night
And sent down showers of glass and metal
To all watching by its light

It was horrific, beastly and terrible
As was the scar it left
A woman crying silently
At the fire’s theft

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Mistaken identity

Mistaken identity

By May Kwek

Today I went to the botanic gardens
And there were a lot of things to see
Flower, ducks, pond skaters
And butterflies flying free

Exploring I ended up
In some place fairly new
Walked around, took pictures
Of things I never even knew

Then a bunch of foreigners said out loud
From behind a wall of plants
“Look! A bunch of caterpillars!”
Now that’s a sight I want

As soon as they left
I hurried over to see
Looked and then departed
Even more hastily

For instead of caterpillars
Lounging and munching around
I saw too many centipedes
Crawling on the ground

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

What to write?

What to write?

By May Kwek

Some take a long time to write a poem
They antagonise over it day and night
Strangely not for me
I write fast under the moonlight

In fifteen minutes or less
A poem I produce
It looks like the others I have here
An easy skill to use

For to me poems are no art
No celestial melody
But a simple skill
I use for you and for me

A skill needs to be honed
As a knife needs to be sharpened
So to write more and practise
Should be my clear mission

But poems need topics
And often I have none
So alas tell me
What is to be done?

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

Hot hot hot days

Hot hot hot days

By May Kwek

The days are so hot now
The skies blaze with light
Blinding, dazzling
Brighter than a sea of sunlight

The air hangs like a heavy curtain
It is so still
Stifling, choking
A tree would wilt

The very atmosphere glows
Like an golden mist
Oh how it makes us long
For the rain’s sweet kiss!

What am I doing out?
The birds are wiser than me
Look! I see some sparrows
Wisely hiding in the shadow of a tree

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

NTU’s Teas

This was written in early June. I was rather late in putting it up.

NTU’s Teas

By May Kwek

About a week ago
I was invited to NTU
No, actually, the Mandarin Orchard hotel
“Specially invited are you”

So said the invitation
And being curious I went
I came back sore and tired
But the hours I will not repent

The bus ride there was long
The timing was all wrong
But I made it just in time
And what did I find?

A huge ballroom
With silly speakers
A personalised place card
For each of the sitters

I took my place
At the front of the room
Just left of the stage
There was plenty of room

We had a professor at my table
And so did the rest
Some had alumni
Wonder which was the best?

Questions were tabled
And each one answered
The professor was real friendly
I stayed while it lasted

But it was rather strange to find
On my way back home
That I had my tea in a hotel
And my friend in the lecture room 

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

The Forbidden Hill

The Forbidden Hill

May Kwek

A long time ago
In a land right on my back door
There was a hill
Forbidden to all

It was the home
To Kings and to Queens
Where the whole island
And the bay could be seen

There was palace there
So very long ago
It is gone now
From mind and memory too

I wonder what happened there
What stories took place
Who grew up there?
And were they in the King’s grace?

Why was it abandoned?
What crisis took place?
What would cause the royal house
To fall into disgrace?

The hill is no longer forbidden
Now it is open to all
Yet when I visit
I still see royalty’s fall

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

Dinner at Rendezvous

Dinner at Rendezvous

May Kwek

It has been a long time
Since we have been here
In fact the last time
Was longer than my years

Its location was charming
By the Singapore river
And food was not too bad
Compared to my expectations much better

 However the method of ordering
Was frankly inefficient
Though I suppose it may work in some ways
Speed can’t be their mission

The cuisine is distinctly local
With curry and spice
And gravy and chili
Which is supposed to be nice

Chicken cooked
In many different ways
And many dishes
Whose names I can’t say

Here I must profess my ignorance
In my dealings with food
But I know that if I can eat it
Usually, it is good!

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

Friday, May 9, 2014

Yesterday's Toyland

Yesterday's Toyland

By May Kwek

When I was fairly young
I stretched out my hand
Took up a little teddy bear
And Toyland began

It was as crazy a world
As a seven year old could make it
Flying animals and carriages
We even added school in it!

My sister was old enough
So I added her in
And we created a world
Of Kings and Queens!

It was relatively simple
At the beginning at least
A family of royals
And many nephews and nieces

But it grew larger
Quite rapidly too
Especially when our toys had special powers
Each one with about two

So we created ranks
Titles and such
Palaces and treats
For the toys that were made much

It was a fun time
For a good six years
But I grew up and left
With my sister in tears

It has been
About seven years since that time
I am about to enter university
And play not with toys but rhymes

Still I can’t deny
That some of that kid is still in me
Look at all I write
I still try to be funny

Though the innocence of the time
Has slowly been lost
I guess in growing up
This is the cost

To learn more about the world
This is the price I have to pay
I can’t be a kid forever
That had to end someday

But I will always have
That golden memory
Of the times in Toyland together
My sister and I happy

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

Yet another phone cover

Yet another phone cover

By May Kwek

My sister has gotten a new phone cover
It is gold and quite bright
No, I mean it literally
It fairly glows at night

By some electric mischief
It changes colour
First red then blue then green
And a great many other!

But the problem was
That it kept on glowing
And after a few hours
It was quite irritating

So my sister
 In a fit of remorse
Took out the battery
And the glow is lost!

Ah my dear sister
What did you do?
Taking away the cover’s glow
Wasn’t that cruel of you?

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek


What tomorrow brings

What tomorrow brings

By May Kwek

A plant doesn’t choose where to grow
And neither did I
The sun doesn’t choose when to rise
Neither did I

I didn’t choose my place of birth
Nor my dear family
My friends came by accident
As did the joy they have brought me

My schools weren’t planned
Much less my difficulties
Nor how I was taught to deal with them
And life’s uncertainties

I didn’t groom my personality
Or my likes and dislikes
I didn’t choose my temperament
Or that in which my heart delights

Yet I have chosen
 A path which to take
It is the most logical
That I can currently make

A suitable beginning
To the rest of the journey
But who I am I don’t know
Nor where this path will take me

The road ahead winds and curves
And I can’t choose or plan it
Who I meet, the opportunities I will have
Who can foretell it?

No I am not the captain of my fate
Much less the master of my soul
But at least my Lord is at the helm
And where he steers I’ll gladly go

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

Friday, May 2, 2014

The one that got away

The one that got away

By May Kwek

For years I have been chasing butterflies
Both in the afternoon and morning light
Watching them as they glide and fly
Studying their lovely flight

During all those years
I just seemed to know where they were
What would start them and cause them fear
What would let me draw near

So a few years ago
When school rules became more lax
I started to photograph them
As they sun bath and relax

I took many photos this way
Even of some I have never seen
Some which I never hoped I would
Even in my dreams

Then today I saw yet another
That I have never seen before
Pointed it out to my mother and father
And saw it standing tall

Then as I took out my camera
It quickly flew away
I followed it and tried harder
But still it wouldn't stay!

Then at last
I supposed I must have blinked
It was gone
Like a leaf in the wind!

I had not a clue
Where it went
I searched but could not find it
And I couldn't understand

Where on earth did it go?
The one that got away?
Really, where did it go?
And how did it get away?

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek


Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Count Your Blessings

Count Your Blessings

By May Kwek

Count the stars in the sky
The specks of joy in the night
Count the birds that freely fly
Bringing grace with their flight

Your friends and family
Remember to count them too
For the times you have had together
How they always stood by you

Blessings aren’t hard to find
Look hard and you will see
How they hide in simple things
But when found will sing

Count your blessings then
Count them and be wise
Remember them at sunset
And start counting at sunrise

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

Sunday, February 23, 2014

The forever wait

The forever wait

By May Kwek

It has been a good three months
Since the A levels left me
Yet sometimes I remember and wonder
About this memory

Time has faded its clarity
I am not longer as sure
Of exactly what I did
Though that I worked hard is clear

And now as February draws to a close
And the results come ever nearer
What I got seems to loom over me
Like a questions that lingers

Most times I forget about it
And have fun and rest
Then when I am not watching it catches me
With “did you do your best?”

Of course I did!
That I surely know
I had never worked so hard
Didn’t think it was possible to do so

Yet I can’t help but plan
My road if I did badly
If I didn’t get what I wanted
What degree would be handy?

Oh I wish I would know already
This wait is too long
Better to accept my results reality
And have the question gone!

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

The voices of the wind

The voices of the wind

By May Kwek

Quiet now, keep still
And gently close your eyes
Tilt your head slightly upwards
Towards the glorious sky

Can you hear the wind blowing?
Just beside your ear?
Listen, can hearing it speaking?
About things far and near?

Taste the cold wind swept air
 And hear the wind rush like the sea
Then you know as the wind has told
That a storm will come eventually

Or perhaps a whispering rush
That hurries through the trees
Calling you, yes, calling you
“Quickly! Come and see!”

Or maybe the breeze that blows
Everlasting by the sea
Telling tales of war and strength
And the peaceful and free

Or maybe the best voice of all
That the wind whispers in your ear
“Calm and peace be with you”
You know the Lord is near

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

The grace of birds

The grace of birds

By May Kwek

If I wished to see flying grace
I need not look to a further place
Than at the bright coral blue sky
And the birds as they fly

As they dive, swoop and glide
Riding on the wind’s delight
As they hover, flap or call out their song
All through the day and the night long

Take the eagle soaring in the air
Circling the earth with deliberate care
With sharp eyes finding his prey
And diving down for his meal of the day

Or perhaps let’s take a swallow
Darting through the trees
Like an inky black crescent moon
Flying across skies we can’t see

Or maybe even a sparrow
Rounded with too much food
Comically falling before flying
Like a silly fool would

Yet they all fly in the sky
With a grace to which we can’t compare
So if I wanted to see gracefulness I would watch the skies
For I know I would find it there

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Return to GBB for the Chinese New Year

Return to GBB for the Chinese New Year

By May Kwek

We went to Gardens by the Bay again
Since Chinese New Year had come around
We found horses everywhere
That made not a sound

They were made of wood
And galloped across imaginary plains
Silent, purposeful but still
Even if you laid to them a cane

Then there was the flower dome
Alas where was its former glory?
Instead of flowers was a sea of green
Repentance for their Christmas folly

But the new playground is fun
With water hoses and all
But I am much too old
For the games that I saw

So you could certainly say
My excitement has dimmed a bit
Especially when the flower dome
Has more green than flowers in it!

But they still made me laugh
Because don’t you see?
Judging from the ears
Some of the horses were donkeys

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek


Friday, January 17, 2014

The ‘A’ levels and after

The ‘A’ levels and after

By May Kwek

It’s over at last!
Pure relief
Ok I am two months late
But the last year you won’t believe

Studying everyday
Morning noon and night
Taking breaks only
To eat and sleep at night

And yet during those breaks
There was a dog barking in my ear
‘A’ levels! ‘A’ levels!
Like a shadow ever near

I couldn’t feel happy
When the last exam ended
Just relief that it was all over
Exactly as intended

Yet I still dream at night
That the ordeal isn’t over
That I missed an exam
But it ended in November!

Or that worse
I got my results back
And instead of As like I hoped
Are Cs edged in black!

Or even better
They start out as As
Then change to Bs and Cs before my eyes
That would be an awful day

So yes the ‘A’ levels are over
But I guess they haven’t completely left my mind
Fingers crossed I would dream no more
Till I know my results are fine!

Copyright © 2014 by May Kwek