Along the Wei River, My train meanders its way through Shaanxi. Even as the Loess Plateau degrades, Apple trees can still bloom in spring.   I recall steaming bowls of hot soup Generously ladled out by mother. I whet my lips in anticipation. In my…

“Bank manager suspected of peculating”, Screamed the evening tabloid Which I glimpsed through the steam in the sauna. I had my raincoat on when I left, Which shielded me when frogs began raining down, On the children in the playground. In the mayhem, an elbow…

There once was a man from Richmond. Who thought he was God’s gift to women. His dressing was risible. His pick-up lines farcical. So his chances were none in a million.   © 2017 S Phua

It begins with a nagging cough that comes to stay. A general malaise that never goes away. Then a conspicuous spot on the film. “Nearly missed it,” he jokes. As if to comfort. But, I know.   And even as I leave his office, Days…

I see you first.   The fiddler plays. The dance begins.   We approach warily. Not quite in sync, yet. Sizing each other up first.   Determining the tempo of our feet. The cadence we will take. What will be the resolution of our caper?…

What first do I see?   The bearing of your stature, The timbre of your voice, The brilliance of your smile, The respect in your manner, The warmth of your handshake, The content of your words?   Or is it, the colour of your skin?…

Couched in my Lazy-Boy, Beer in one hand and Remote in the other, I channel surf idly, And chance upon this ridiculous movie, Of giant lava-breathing, fire-spewing spiders, Spawned from the depths of hell, Ludicrously called “Lavalantula”.   Starring the cast of “Police Academy”, Playing…

Overwhelmed, overwrought, overawed am I Alone in this prayer cell, on knees I bend Reverently and humbly, I reflect, “Oh my” Before God, I dare not lift my head My form prostrate, I contemplate, and Yet, all I can do is think Unceasingly of my…

We should talk more. So I’ve been told. Let it all out. Express my emotions. Share my thoughts. Say how I truly feel.   This psychology on a dime, May all be very fine. But you have known me all this time, That I cannot…

Seeing my bold child, Taking off her training wheels, Oddly reassures.   © 2017 S Phua