Close Encounter of an Ugly Kind

I still remember quite vividly a few years back, when I took my elderly dad for a follow-up appointment after his eye operation. That day, it was an Asian nurse in her late 40s attending the reception (Royal Eye & Ear Hospital, Melb). While waiting for dad's turn, I noticed her politeness and patience with the Aussie patients, esp. the elderly. From her accent, I also knew she was either Malaysian or Singaporean. I thought to myself, "Wow, classic Asian virtues, heartwarming...还是自己人呢。"

But this thought was shortlived. When it came to dad's turn, her attitude changed. She became cold, straightfaced and talked without looking at us. Due to dad's hard of hearing (being in his late 70s), she became impatient & rude. She assumed I was merely a government appointed interpreter. "You tell this old man, blah, blah, blah..". That was when I leaned forward, stared straight in her eyes and "sc**wed" her - back to front, centre, left & right. (It's rude, I know. Sorry).

"Hey you, this old man happens to be my father!...", I blasted her a good minute or two, right in front of everyone. Funny to see her embarassed, shell-shocked face. Miraculously, she became apologetic & polite again. And even began to speak to my father in Mandarin! A true b*tch indeed. She should have treated everyone with impartiality, more so to her own kind in a foreign land...

(Written on: 05/10/2008)

Close Encounter of an Eerie Kind

Undeniably, there still exists personal experiences, sightings & phenomenons throughout the world that are beyond scientific explainations to this day. The following story is an unforgettable personal experience that I had in the Dec of 2002. Was on transit in S'pore for 2 days and decided to make an impromptu last minute 2.5 hr trip to my sleepy hometown in Johor. (Left more than 25 years ago but will still visit every once in a while). Not wanting to trouble relatives & friends (& also to surprise them), I booked a room in a supposedly reputable, multi-storey hotel in town. By the time I arrived and set foot in the lobby; all sweaty & dog tired, it was already well passed 11 pm. "Er..sorry, sir. We thought you were not coming. So we didn't keep the room for you. But not to worry. We will give you a family room at the top floor for no extra charge.", said the receptionist with a smile. I thought, "Wow. A room with bird's eyeview of town at no extra charge. This is customer service going the extra mile!", trying to hide my pleasure at the "windfall".

After filling in the particulars, I got into the lift and was happily on my way to the top floor. Reached the top floor. Looked around and realised that this was the only room on the entire floor! "Geez...", beginning to get a bit apprenhensive. Anyway, proceeded to open the door. "What the..", even before the door was fully opened, I felt a chill down my spine and the goosebumps on my arms and back stood up, intensity of which I had never experienced before! I could feel some "entity" standing in the hallway of the dark room! Dropped my backpack and hurriedly switched on all the lights in the hallway,living room & bedroom. But the "fear" did not go away. "No, this is just my imagination. I'm tired, that's all..", trying to calm myself. Hurriedly unpacked. Had a quick shower. Brushed teeth - and all this while, my eyes darting around the spacious bedroom/living room, just to be on the safe side.

Didn't sleep a wink the whole night! Tossing & turning and kept feeling the presence of something standing next the bed. Totally bombed out the next morning... When a buddy came to fetch me in the lobby for breakfast, he asked, "What the hell happened to you?". "Dark rings around the eyes, dishevelled hair and all?". I told him my story..and how kind the hotel reception was to me...His jaw sort of went ajar before dropping the bombshell on me. "Didn't you know a couple of years earlier, a young Chinese woman from outstation committed suicide in that top floor room after a fight with her boyfriend?". What did I do after learning this? (Got the hell out w/o even staying for breakfast!) The rest as they always say...is history. Nowadays, I always try to check (discreetly) with the receptionist/bellboy on background of the hotel room I would be staying in ie. of course if they are telling the truth. Anyway, sweet dreams & sleep tight now ...

(Written on: 02/11/2008)

If a Shoe Has Soul

If a shoe were to have a soul
where in it's owner's life
its rightful place, it will know

If for informal wear, by its Maker, it was made
becoming formal, sharing the limelight
the last thing it would crave

For its owner, it would gladly accompany
to far or near, wherever it may be
Down trodden paths or boulevards fancy

When comes the time for it to be replaced
due to journeys' wear & tear
its colour, fading away

To its owner's feet, it will not try to cling
knowing what discomfort this would bring
Despite sadness beyond words, in parting

In years gone by, it can at least reminisce
it has once served, unreservedly and truly
while fulfilling its own duty & destiny...

(Written on: 27/05/2009)

Lamentation

Many moons ago, on a cool, pristine winter's day
of the countless sojourners who'd passed my way
One should stand out from the rest
leaving perplexities, deeply etched
Could've never imagined an emo hardened me
could still be spellbound inexplicably

With time & tide, ebbing, flowing by
still wondering, puzzled even as I try
From the coldness it now clearly signifies
should be the closure of what could've been
a timeless encounter, a friendship predestined
Maybe it was just a cruel prank Divine
or a crazy imaginative figment of my mind

“It takes two to Tango", it is said
Be it making one’s own destiny or fate
For a friendship that has lost its feel
it's pointless digging in the heel
For it will surely fade & die
if it's coming only from one side

Hope that going down this road, it will not
but mutual understanding, it would sought
For it defies logic for coldness & enmity
be towards friendship & sincerity
While what the future holds, no one knows, really
May good health, blessings & joy, always there will be.

(Written on: 19/08/2008, the 365th Day)