Who stole my Christmas?

It's here. That time of the year. The season to be jolly- whether pretend or real. Everyone puts on their happy faces, wear their selflessness hats and skip around with a bounce in their gait.

It's here. That time of the year. The season where you wonder what's wrong if you are not feeling the zing, the vibe, the cheer.

It's here. That time of the year when families mean something. Acquaintances become friends and relatives become loved ones.

It's here. That time of the year when I usually feel like being.

But this year the feeling's amiss.

It feels gray - because someone coloured in black & white.
It feels wet - because someone taught the sun to cry.
It feels wrong - because someone scribbled all over the right.

I can't hear the jingles...and I know who to blame.

Because bitterness can taste sweet.....

.....and words can mean what they read.

I thought to myself today- what do my poems mean to me?

I have been writing poems ever since I can remember holding a pen. First were the untidy scribbles which meant no more than ABC, and then came the better, bolder lines which to me, were an insight into my being. Through the years my words have matured, but the themes have remained personal. In my poems I give to the world what it has given me in so many ways. Every line that I have written has been a personal experience, an adventure an observation, or merely a need in my life. But each has taught me a lesson which couldn’t be learnt any other way. Each has made me think, reflect, improve and find that glinting ray of satisfaction we all hope for. My poems are my karma, my repentance, my healing, my escape and my pride. In short, they’re the 'purity' in me.

For every painful experience, there is a solace in knowing that the bad won’t be forever. My poems are that solace. In my words I find the healing I yearn, and in my poems I reveal that antidote to the world.

When I shut down, words come from within me. And that to me - is Poetry.

A Halloween Story

I had written this for a Halloween Charity event we hosted at work. Though it was never used due to lack of space on our posters, I decided to post it on my blog anyway.

Our theme was Pirates and Pixies and the chosen Charity, Make a Wish Singapore.

A pirate short & rugged
With eye patch evil black,
Comes to town sailing
With a rather heavy sack.

He sets the sack down
And looks left and right,
Then pulls out a smiling pixie
With eyes shining bright

With a swoosh of a wand
And colours: green, orange, red,
There appears out of nowhere
A signboard which read:

"Trick or treat
with a slight twist,
A pirate, a pixie
And a wish-list.

Make your donations
For a worthy cause,
If we're in a good mood
We may even applause.

Any amount is welcome
We won't give you a glance,
And if you are generous
The pixie will do a dance!

In return we offer
A gift from our sack,
And for every wish answered
You get many smiles back!"

They set this beside them
Waiting with goodies proud,
Playfully performing antics
And attracting the crowd.

So look out for this magic
A miracle truly to be seen
Together a Pirate & Pixie
Reveal the true meaning of Halloween!