The Reading Room of the Poetic Bookworm

A Tale of Two Fairies

2008-10-02T03:16:00.001-07:00

(A collaboration of a few Ipoh Talk forum members)

Two dainty fairies on the water sit
Their snow white wings by the sunlight lit

Said the left fairy to the right
We’ll both be sunburned by tonight

I’m sure the tan will fade by and by
The fairy replied with a little sigh

Though beautiful rhymes the three have made
Alas ! we know the tan won’t fade

Though it’s often said that beauty is only skin deep
Nevertheless the two fairies’ good looks are for keeps

Thank you guys for your kind words and thoughts
But sun-burnt fairy wings will surely rot

My wings clipped ! Heaven forbid !
Wingless fairies are useless to kids

Dear Liz the fairies cried, it can’t be so
We still need to flit to and fro

So my friends let’s pray for rain
To ease the poor little fairies’ pain

Showers of blessings will come forth from above
To rejuvenate your earthly petals with all it's love

O thank you dear Ken for your prayers so sweet
For the showers of blessings to cool down the heat

Alas! My friends the showers of blessings couldn't save
The poor little fairies that started this rave

Two stars they've become in the dark night sky
Shining on us from the "sweet by and by"

The Element of Love

2008-09-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered how we fall in love?
Have we been paired by the stars up above
Do you think that falling in love could be
Divine Intervention for you and for me?

If these feelings are dispensed from Heaven?
How were we matched ? Odd and even ?
How will we know when we are in love?
Will we hear music and bells from above?

Sometimes the person you’ve brushed aside
Will be the one to make you his bride
And sometimes the dashing person you hoped to attract
Will turn out a dull bore and just a gas-bag!

In physics we learn that ‘opposites attract’
Could we be matched, just like magnets?
Little is known of this thing called ‘love’
Has this been destined from up above?

How will you know when love comes to you
Love is as old as time and is nothing new
So prepare for it by making ties that bind
And be more open and alert as love can be blind

This thing called love intrigues me too
It makes no distinction between the rich or the poor
When you find it, be sure to treasure it close
Deep down in your heart, ne’er to dispose!

Take heart my friends for love can be found
In oddest places and it’s all around
Open your hearts and let love in
Some loving heart, you’re sure to win.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

There's Always Light

2008-09-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

Your heart is heavy and your thoughts are dark
Call up a friend or take a walk in the park !
Are tears enough to lighten a heart laden with pain
Loneliness preceeds depression like thunder before rain

But today the tears flowed and you knew not why
Will more love and concern keep your eyes dry ?
But the ache from deep within was dark and dense
Cry your heart out, cry without pretence !

You stand at the door and knock but no answer comes
The door to happiness seems shut, where can you run ?
Take heart and remember God’s love for you
He’ll lead you through the darkness and let the sun shine through

Look around you and evidence is everywhere
That you’re in safe hands and God still cares
The sun still shines and the flowers still bloom
God’s love for you will pierce the gloom.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

A Sweet Soul .....

2008-09-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

For a good friend, Manjit

It’s strange how bonds and friendship grow
For two people who have never met before
At first sight we knew that we’d be friends
Although we didn’t know to what extent

So dear Manjit, I now express my hope that we,
Will always remain good friends like it’s meant to be
I doubt it was by chance that we have met
I think it was destiny’s game and we won the set

In the past year, we’ve shared our joys and tears
A kindred spirit you’ve proven to be a friend so dear
I’ll pray our friendship remains fresh and warm
And survive even the wildest storm

You’re an angel, in more ways than one
Your care for others is second to none
So dear Manjit, stay just the way you are
Always helping people near and far.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

Friends

2008-09-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

A friend in need is a friend indeed
I know the saying’s true that’s why I weed
So-called friends from the garden of my heart
But three good friends remain never to depart

Let us now differentiate acquaintances from friends
With good friends faithfulness won’t bend
In good times and in bad their support remain
Gossip and slander of you their lips refrain

Let me now tell you one by one
How our friendships blossomed, how they began
Celina’s friendship I’ll always treasure
None other friendship can this one measure

We’ve known each other since our school days
We’re alike in so many ways
This friendship is steadfast and true
We’re so alike in whatever we do

We’ve shared each others joys and pains
We’ve consoled each other come sun or rain
Many will envy a friendship like ours
Our care for each other will never pass

Judy is another friend who is a gem
She’s someone whom I can depend
When help is needed, she’ll readily oblige
In bad times her consolation she’ll provide

We knew each other a long time ago
But now our friendship has deepened more
To a point of sharing our inner most thoughts
This kind of friendship can never be bought

Then there’s Vijaya who is so dear
We can reminisce memories, joys and fears
We became friends through Victor and Joe
Our friendship has survived the highs and the lows

Although there was a time we weren’t in touch
But past memories can mean so much
You never want to lose a friendship like this
So we’ll always keep friendship safe in our midst

These three friends I know for sure
Will share with me the joys and the tears
So dear friends to you I say
May the Lord bless our friendship day after day.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

Conversations in my Garden

2008-09-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

(My imagination of what goes on in my little garden patch)

Hello to you Daisy and to you too Marigold
Did you see the little hole that houses Mr. Mole?
No, I didn’t Impatiens as I was fast asleep
But Lily noticed Mr. Snail, into the hole he peeped.

Where is Busy Lizzie, has she opened yet?
Yes, Marigold she has, that’s why her petals wet
But they should be dry as it surely didn’t rain
Maybe it was from the leaves of Mr. Sugar Cane

Oh Miss Rose have you perfumed the garden ?
Butterflies and bees go gather the pollen
Will the little gnomes be able to find
Their tiny toadstools as they’re covered with vine

The dragonflies will have to carry the ants
For their short little journey to the end of the fence
Will you grasshopper stop chomping on buds
And help the poor worms get out of the mud

And now Mr. Frog with your hind legs so strong
Can you lift up the worms to where they belong
And Miss Jasmine with your flowers so fair
Could you help Rose and work as a pair

This is the way a pretty garden ought to be
Plants and insects together in perfect harmony
When evening shadows fall, the garden patch is still
Mr. Cricket emerges out of his lonely little hill.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

Seeds of Love

2008-09-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

Sow seeds of love and watch them grow
‘Tis true what they say that you reap what you sow
For I’ve seen the tiny seeds grow and mature
Rooted deep in my sons’ hearts to grow more I’m sure

I’m proud that Don and Jay now know how to care
To sympathize and offer a hand for people in despair
‘Tis not what job they hold or how much they earn
I’m proudest of them how they show their concern

Well my sons, nurture with love that special seed
Be someone’s angel in their hour of need
Give willingly your help and your love
God will bestow blessings from up above.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

Birthday Wishes to my niece Stell

2008-09-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

In my eyes, you’re still the little girl
Who loved to sing and loved to do the twirl
How I used to read you stories in funny little ways
How you used to play with Don in those carefree happy days
Now that you’ve all grown and life’s so different now
Sometimes happy, sometimes sad, but you’ll get through somehow
So as you go on life’s journey, just let God lead your way
Though the path gets rough at times, He’s at your side to stay
‘Coz when the storm is over, the rainbow will appear
A reminder to you that God is always near !

Love from Aunty Girlie
May 11, 2001

~liz sammy-chin ~

A Letter to my dear Dad

2008-09-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

You passed on when I wasn't even four
Wished I was older ‘coz then I would have known more
The things about you to tell my own sons,
But we didn’t even know each other; we didn’t even have fun

But over the years, I’ve heard stories of you
Told by my elders but sometimes their tales needed review
Thanks to my brother George your life story he put straight
So now the good man that you were is not open to debate

You worked so hard and didn’t even get to enjoy
The fruits of your labour; to see your children get employed
But worry not dear dad for we have all done well
It’s thanks to you and mom that we have all excelled

I’ve heard you’re a dignified and quiet man
For people with problems a helping hand you’d extend
I’m so proud to know my dad was a kind and generous soul
And I count myself lucky to be part of your enormous fold

Now, your grandchildren would like to know you more
So to my elders I’ll go for your stories to explore
Though short your life, the good you’ve done remain
How I wished I had shared your joys, your sorrows and your pain

A drunk you were not as some elders have us believe
Social drinking after a hard day’s work as a way of relief
The true story is that you were a loving husband and dad
Who would have given mom and us everything that you had

The Lord must have had a reason for taking you away
Maybe it was time for you to rest and our time to repay
Our turn to look after mom and to help each other through
So that we’ll always be united in whatever we do.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

A Candle in the Dark

2008-09-11T03:53:00.000-07:00

The tiniest flicker of a solitary candle
Can brighten up the darkest night
Accept our care though it be simple
In our hearts we share with you the gift of light

~Liz Sammy-chin ~

Judy's Garden....for my friends Judy and Bian Aun

2008-09-11T03:52:00.000-07:00

In a vast spacious compound Judy’s garden stands
With huge caladium fronds, spreading out like fans
When you enter her home, you’ll be greeted by “kois”
O what grace, what beauty! To behold them was joy

Lotus and water lilies by this serene pond grows
A point of conversation and visitors to show
Dainty multi coloured hues are the flowers they bear
On their lily pads sit, little frogs without care

Towards the back of this spreading compound
“Neath the huge casuarina, little birds can be found
pecking on the seeds that the old palm trees bear
O Birds spare some to grow for that’s only fair!

Another family of fish lives in the big back pond
Lending them shade are the huge coconut fronds
A plant of grace and fragrance is the magnolia plant
Thriving on little rain and the rays of the sun

Trees of varied species all have a home in this place
For to leave this space idle, would be a great waste
So an orchid garden to the left have been built
And some greening’s been done so the flowers won’t wilt

And at this stage I think I might just add
That Bian Aun’s the architect of this cosy pad
Bird watching is a passion that they both share
So their garden will be home to any birds of the air

The birds and the dogs so freely they roam
Ecologically balanced, they all feel at home
So the insects and pests all know they are safe
In Judy’s Garden they don’t really behave.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

Yvonne's Little Eden

2008-09-11T03:51:00.001-07:00

In this Little Eden she enjoys her plants and birds
Just admiring her flowers, no need for words
The rich flora and fauna all agree
That they don’t mind housing the birds and the bees

A beautiful wild ginger it’s colour lends
It’s vibrant red blooms with the other plants blend
‘Neath the ginger, a maidenhair fern grows
Beside it, the bouganvillea its colour bestows

The MacArthur’s palm standing elegant and tall
Sharing its shade to plants big and small
Coleous and begonias all healthily thrives
Under the palm, from the sun they hide

The majestic ficus with its branches so strong
Welcomes the birds where they nurture their young
The ficus tree is the king of this patch
It’s beautiful foliage that none can match.

In a little lot at the back of the land
Vegetables grow, tended by Yvonne’s loving hands
What peace and joy this garden radiates
Serenity! Ideal spot to meditate!

Her little patio is where she entertains friends
Her pretty little garden, a welcome message sends
Birds and insects are not afraid to roam
In Yvonne’s little eden they’ve found a home!

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

Sophia's Garden

2008-09-11T03:45:00.000-07:00

Sophia’s house is next to mine
And a better neighbour will be hard to find
Her pretty garden is adjacent to my own
And in it, pretty flowers and green foliage she has grown

A grand old shady mango tree at the entrance stands
And pots of orchids from its branches hang
Caladium and impatiens ‘neath its shade grow
And red ixoras bursting in colours in a neat little row

To the left of the driveway, outside the fence
Periwinkles and bouganvilleas showing off beauty without pretence
While the slender exotic cannas join in the fun
The pink impatiens sit soaking up the sun

The anthurium, begonia and a palm all share
The shade of the roof and the cats laze there
To the back of the garden, another mango tree stands
Bearing juicy apple mangoes while its shade to the swing it lends

Below this a mother-in-law’s tongue grows in a pot
This is the ideal spot for it’s not so hot
Some more orchids their beauty boasts
And the birds love this area for no danger pose

Sophia’s garden shows her love for plants
Where the birds and bees and the butterflies dance
For in this garden they all feel free
A safe haven for insects and they all agree.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

A Kindred Spirit....a dedication to my friend Celina

2008-09-11T03:41:00.000-07:00

From young girls to teens and motherhood
Our friendship spanned through many years
She’s been a kindred spirit since childhood
She’s the one most remembered of all my peers

When our school days’ ended, we parted in ways
Entering adulthood was a worrying time
Not keeping in touch, there’s a price to pay
No more meeting up for no reason or rhyme

So then for years we were friends at heart but not in sight
We grew up, fell in love, got married and had a family
Too busy at work and at home, no time even to write
And so our friendship remained a memory entirely.

But as fate would have it, we’re neighbours now
No plans were made, contacts were lost for a long while
It was destiny for us to be together again
But she was always in thought though parted in miles

Though her name’s not mentioned I’m sure she will know
For friends in the true form I find them rare
That’s why in my heart, she fits the role
So my dear friend, when you read this, know that I care.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

Marco, our dog angel

2008-09-06T01:47:00.000-07:00

He entered our lives in April one year
Cute and cuddly with his soft white fur
We picked him out from a litter of pups
For our two sweet boys to love and to hug.

Now our boys have grown and left home
But our faithful dog our home he guards on
Near the gate in the evening he’ll lay
Waiting for Joe to return home each day

Eighteen years of faithful service did he give
In our hearts, he’ll always live
Though we were heartbroken that fateful day
We knew in our hearts that he couldn’t stay

His spirit was willing, but the body was weak
No replacement for him will we ever seek
For a faithful friend can never be replaced
From our minds, his memory will never be erased

May our Lord bless our faithful friend
And please, to dog heaven may he be sent
And pray, a dog angel let him be
Guarding our house still, though none can see.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

My Curiosity

2008-09-06T01:43:00.000-07:00

My husband and I love to take rides
And as houses we pass, I’ll always wonder
What kind of people within them reside
These simple thoughts in my mind I’ll ponder

Are they as happy as my husband and me
And are there children who are romping around
Or lonely old people with no one to see
Is there contentment or can love be found

O what a mystery these homes to me pose
O how I wish that into their homes I could just peep
My inquisitive mind just cannot dispose
Must be my curiosity that just wouldn’t sleep

Do any of you feel the way that I do
Ever wondered what people are like
I’m sure many of you are just like me too
So use your imagination when you go for a ride.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

My Pretty Little Garden

2008-09-06T01:40:00.001-07:00

Among my flowers in solitude I sit
Reminiscing memories bitter sweet
Here with loving hands I grow the flowers of my dreams
Pretty multi coloured blooms and everlasting greens

Small in size though my garden may be
It’s home to butterflies, birds and busy bees
Nestled among my impatiens, lilies and marigolds
Are toadstools, little houses and garden gnomes

Fresh buds open in my garden wet with dew
Glistening in the morning light when the sun is new
Dragonflies frolick away among my many blooms
Fairies hide from the light in their tiny mushrooms

As night descends and all is still
The crickets wake with their calls so shrill
They join in the fairies with their dance and song
Which makes flower buds open in the early morn

And so my garden thrives from dawn to dusk
And will be home to insects and garden pests
Snails and caterpillars all have a home
A little hacienda to call their own.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

My Alma Mater..........CHIJ, Ipoh

2008-09-06T01:26:00.000-07:00

The Convent Spirit lives on and on
In all of us Convent girls who have come and gone
Through the Irish sisters’ disciplining hands
To them and our teachers, our gratitude we now send

A beautifully structured building is our dear school
Where we learnt our lessons as well as the rules
The two big halls ring echoes of the past
Of applause at concerts and exams too, alas !

The canteen was the favourite meeting place
Of girls rushing for food and eating in haste
We have to finish our meal before the bell goes
Then we’ll have to rush for assembly and line up in rows.

In our own little square that was our assembly ground
Long concrete seats were built all around
Tall angsana trees their shade they lend
Where the girls congregated and met up with friends

Each morning we parked our bicycles in the bicycle shed
Next to it stood a beautiful tree whose fruit was like bread
Before school began to chapel we’d go
Where pews were arranged in neat little rows

Prayers were said at assembly each day
And Rev. Mother would have her own little say
Walking to class two by two and hand in hand
When our teachers came in, we would all stand

Our school fun fair was a famous event
As we sold the coupons, erected stalls and tents
The St. Michael’s School boys thronged to our school
Eyeing pretty Convent girls, while keeping their cool

And now we are told that the story must end
The nostalgic memories, the Convent, the land
Must now all go, for someone has sold
‘Twas such a waste, coz our history is gold.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

My School Days

2008-09-02T20:01:00.001-07:00

The Convent gates were big and wide
And as I passed through I just couldn’t hide
My fears, my tears and home was where I want to be
But then I realized that other little girls felt just like me

To Class Standard One “B” I was sent
Slate and chalk were used instead of pens
ABCs written on the board
We had books to buy, we could ill afford

Bell rings and my heart gets lighter
Going home now, hope tomorrow’s better
So the days turn to weeks and into years
And the little girl grows out of her clothes but not her fears

Though nostalgically I think of my days in school
I’ve thought too strict and stern were set the rules
But on hindsight now, I’m glad they were
“Cos I’ve turned out well, like the rest of my peers.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

A Prayer for Don

2008-09-02T19:48:00.001-07:00

On our knees we knelt to pray
For our son, Don who is far away
We asked you Lord to care for him
To keep him safe from harm and sin

Today we’re elated at his good review
As it only happens to a select few
Diligently he worked the last three years
To get ahead of most his peers

Dear Lord I know this is thanks to Thee
You’ve listened and answered our humble plea
And Lord I pray you’ll guide his ways
His navigator in life may You always stay.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

Games we used to play

2008-09-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

As I look back to a time long ago
Long before computers and tv shows
There were simple games children used to play
Hours were spent outdoor throughout the day

There were seven stones, hop scotch and skipping ropes
Coconut fronds were used to slide down slopes
What fun we had when we played hide and seek
When others hide, one person counted and he musn’t peek

Skipping to ropes, there were so many rhymes
We’d skip and sing while counting to time
These skipping ropes were strung from rubber bands
The richer children used double strands

Hopscotch would be played before school began
Squares and circles would be drawn on the sand
Some kind of token had to be thrown
A string of beads, a bunch of shells or any old stone

With seven stones, we’d sit on the floor
A game you can play with one person or more
You toss one stone and pick up another
You would have lost if you dropped either

So many more I can’t recall
But any of these were more fun than the Mall
I think children had more fun in the good old days
The games were all free, there was nothing to pay.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

Down Memory Lane

2008-09-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

Way back in the fifties, my sister and I
Walked all the way to school till there were aches in our thighs
We walked past the St.Michael’s School and onto the river bank
And the nearer to school , the more my heart sank

Then we’ll cross the bridge at Brewster Road
Peeking into the river hoping to see boats
A mile more to go before the convent we’ll reach
And by the time we arrive we’ll be red as a peach

We’d walk on the five foot ways to hide from the sun
And sometimes if we were late, we needed to run
Shifting our school bags from our right hand to left
Giving each arm a chance for a rest

Then, we’d walk past the Po Garden Lane
To go through this lane alone would be insane
For this is a notorious dangerous pass
Girls have been molested late after class

And now the school gates are within view
The school bell hasn’t gone yet, we’re early; Phew!
Right after school from the back gate we’d leave
To the ice-cream seller we would proceed

We’d love to have “rojak” but didn’t have cash
So we’d just spin for the ice-cream and had to be rash
And through the Po Garden Lane my sister and I
Would rush our steps for bad people hide

On treetops and branches eyeing to pounce
On girls who are alone, their presence announce
So if you were wise, don’t ever pass
This lane alone if you’ve been late after class

And as we walked on, our throats started to dry
So to the tap at Borneo Motors as we had to walk by
It’s sweet cool waters tasted so pure
A long way from home, but now we can endure

And so the story goes for many more years
Until the day we had bicycles like the rest of our peers
That made the journey to school much easier then
This is our story from beginning to end

But now so much have changed
No girls would need to use the Po Garden Lane
‘Cause the area is now big, open and wide
No more places for bad people to hide

So ends the story of Po Garden Lane
But it’s memories and stories will always remain.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

Daydreams

2008-09-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

All alone you’re left with just your dreams
Building castles in the air and something in between
Thoughts of bygone days drifting in your mind
Seeking peace for the world and humankind

Keep those daydreams safely in the attic of your soul
For in time, they’ll come true, so keep the reins on hold
And in your heart may these dreams become alive
Cut out the bitter truth that stabs you like a knife

Take time to dream long and dream deep
Your dreams like prayers the Lord will heed
Do not dismiss the power of the subconscious mind
Your wildest dreams come true, with faith and hope combined.

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

Building a Nest

2008-08-31T02:05:00.000-07:00

Today I spied the bulbul building its nest
It was working so hard without even taking a rest
In my rosebush the yellow vented bulbul chose
To build its nest for here no danger will it pose
For my little backyard is cozy and calm
With so many other plants to protect it from harm
So little bulbul worry not about nurturing your young
For here in my rosebush, a safe home you’ve found!

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~

A Parents' Prayer for their sons : A dedication to Don and Jay

2008-08-31T02:03:00.000-07:00

When you were little, you always took our hands

A symbol of love and security those hands to you meant

And when you hurt, we were the ones you seeked

“Coz in your minds, mom and dad could anything defeat

Days when we could ease your pain with just a kiss

Belongs to yesterday and those are times we surely miss

Times when our hearts ache for both of you

We find solace in prayer and our faith in God renew

So we feel it’s best we leave you in God’s care

The gift of faith will keep you from despair

Though distance and time separate us now

God’s care for us will keep us close somehow !

~ Liz Sammy-Chin ~