A Thousand and One

Everytime I go a visiting
To Grandma’s house,
Grams would say,
“Come sit and I’ll tell you a story…

A long time ago, when days were hard and dark.
When I was still a little child,
There were those high and mighty British
Who like to order us around
Then bombs rained down
And the Japanese came.
Much worse they were and they hated Chinese,
And killed my papa before my very eyes.
Life was tough and we starved
And hid away cos’ my mama would say
If those Japanese catch sight of us, they will steal us away.
I grew up quick and married your Gramps.
The British returned promising a sweet future
But some were happy, some were not.
Soon cries of independence were heard aboard
And with much riots and strikes, somehow
We joined with Malaysia.
Life was happy and I had your Mum
But soon more riots happened
Soon, Within two years, we separated.
I watched the little black box and saw Lee Kuan Yew in anguish.
Then as if the sun had rose, buildings started growing.
With peace coming back, everything is so expensive…
So, now dear, do you know just how lucky you are?”

And I will answer with a smile
“Yes Grams I know”
Even though I heard the story a thousand and one.

Tan Rou Bing
4G