Dear Malaysia:
I’m embarrassed that it has taken
me so long to love you; it’s usually
the toughest when politics begin to fill
most of the pages of the newspaper.

I’ve never been sure if
this was the place for me
like a flutterby I flit, never to linger
and ever since I packed up my bags decades ago
I was afraid of the memories that will come back
as soon as I returned to the chaos of your streets.

But you know what, I surrender
to your murky politics and sluggish services
to your bright lights and friendly smiles
as I often wonder to myself –
What makes you tick
amidst the strings of lights
That shone down the path of the dark, filthy streets?

I can no longer keep you at arm’s length
though your imperfectness is glaring
amidst harsh whispers and constant ridicule;
Being a permanent resident at my favorite hotel
is like being a tourist
With a startling realisation that I think I’m staying for good.

A friend told me I didn’t quite like it this time around
and I don’t understand you at all.
But today, white blossoms would fall
From an old tree with its own love story to share
Onto the feet of those with an unspoken pact
and the same bittersweet melancholia.
Malaysia, I will learn not to feel lost
and I will learn to hang up my flighty shoes;
Let me make it up to you:
I cannot promise I won’t wince and shut my eyes
during a live telecast of the Commonwealth Games
but I promise
I will be behind you
every step of the way.