Bloom and Floom

 * When I Falter *

8

Bloom and Floom

Blooms of chrysanthemum

Bound one to the other

Fresh or sun-dried

Breathing fragrance

Scent to a quiet heart

Faint to a bitter heart.

Only Amusing, Now

 * When I Falter *

7

Only Amusing, Now

With a bold tug

She pulls him through the gate

Whispering bamboos

Keng Hua bloom

Scent of Angel’s Trumpets

The night is only stars

Giggles and chuckles

Scented skin and soft breathing

A brush, and a smack

Good God, mosquitoes!

Breathless no more!

Nightmare and Dream

 * When I Falter *

6

Nightmare and Dream

Brew, brew, brew

Cat’s Tails and Lobster’s Claw

Tapak Kuda and Mata Lembu

Brew the floral potion

Cocktail to titillate and amuse

Could fragrance so fair

bear such raw and foul names!

Be Like The Dolphin

 * When I Falter *

5

Be Like The Dolphin

Like the dolphin

Always with a smile

and a curl

Have a splash

and a smash

Happy together

Happy alone.

Be Like The Chameleon

 * When I Falter *

4

Be Like The Chameleon

Like the chameleon

Red, yellow, green,

pink, blue

or black, brown, grey

Have fun

Colour its steps

Colour its moves

Display

Unabashed.

Be Like The Bird

 * When I Falter *

3

Be Like The Bird

Like a bird

Sing where it perches

Sing even if it’s to itself

Letting go

even as it fulfils

its duty

Taking for

just enough.

Be Like The Ant

* When I Falter *

 

2

Be Like The Ant

Like the ant

Gregarious

Unwavering

Seeking untiringly

Setting its rhythm

Setting its pace

Claiming its space.

Faithfully.