How could
you know me?
that which I don't do
is visible to nobody

what I do
is but the periphery
my true self
is the kernel--verily

hidden in the labyrinth
of my heart and soul
it makes me
what I am---whole

people parade their virtue
to praise and glory they hold
their inner selves are hidden
their stories are deceptively told

Yes
I'm a dreamer
but also a doer
a realist
thus I've the best
of both worlds
( I dance and I sing too!)

between them
I happily oscillate
no tension
have I ever felt

with both
I generously collaborate

though I'm driven
by mood
and the day's input
but hold every moment
to be rewarding and good

life I hold closely
it's too precious
time I wisely use
in my every effort

I improvise
I play with themes
and words

I create
my own world
and tire
I'm not

a poem done
a song composed
or sung heartily
with each day
I live free
and unencumbered !

I choose to be empty--it purifies me, it's a process of letting go, of renunciation, of selflessness-- in being nothing, I find my true self, and the weariness and angst of living melts away like the dew in the sun and the dispersing of the clouds.

  copyright 2025

From my 2017 memoir*:

To me, one of the greatest wonders of the world is the existence of libraries-- the free fountain of knowledge, the greatest democracy, the refuge of poor aspiring students, the favourite haunt of scholars, writers and teachers, the refuge of the lost, the tired, the confused, and even the sorrowful and bereft, the lonely, the resting-house of retirees, the home of the brightest minds, and the humblest and most unobtrusive friend of everyone.  

*Re: GROWING UP IN BRITISH MALAYA-- A MEMOIR

You dazzle
I am only an ember

People in the main seldom
have things in common-
the trend is towards
contention and collision

I'm not much
to anyone
but praise
I don't want-

enough of myself
all said and done
a tiny blade of grass
alongside the rose under the sun-

faraway in the remote
known and seen by none
writing by a quiet stream
till the day is sun-

judging and being judged
by none, not even one
I live like a vagrant
never miss a day of fun!