Pulau Ubin Shore

The seashore remains unchanged,

but the casuarinas,

which we tied the swing had fallen.

I walked alone along the serene shore

thinking of my love long gone.

The sea birds still circle in the sky

even though thirteen years had passed

Are they the same birds we used to watch?

It was great to lie beside you on the white sand

Enjoying the white clouds and the blue sky

The day we first met was auspicious

I only wanted a kiss

But you gave me more

Had it not been because we were still schooling

We would have been happily married.

Appana, why did you come from Tibet

just to have a short duration of bliss with me?

Like the gorgeous South China Sea

We swallowed our grief and parted

The society had since been turned upside down

because of men’s greed, hatred and delusion

I look forward to the day when things will improve

and that we shall meet again

to replay our first scene on the shore

Is it now too late?

(End)

Copyright © 2004 by Poh Tiong Ho