Wish

Wish


Gliding the car with charismatic ease, the stars formed a glittering array of moving lights. The breeze had such an uplifting feeling and, with him at the wheels, everything seemed so perfect. Taming the car to a beautiful stop, he smiled and got off the car.

Ever the gentleman, he unhurriedly rushed over, opening the door and holding out his hands to lead her out of the car. It wasn't clear whether it was the night which made everything so perfect or he who made it seemed it was another world. Then, he smiled again. How can it be mistaken? He was the leading actor and the night merely his supporting cast.

Walking down the stairway, he slid his hand into hers. She looked at him and he caught the gaze. Lost in his gaze, she quickly turned away, realising that she was blushing. On a night as such, there was no need for words. Everything that wasn't said was heard, everything that wasn't heard was felt.

The frolic of the waves provided the most soothing music, the sand running through their feet gave the most expensive carpet and the gentle sea breeze gave the most beautiful fanfare. But most importantly, his unassuming presence was her heaven.

Walking by the beach was never so unforgettable. Then again, every moment with him was always unforgettable. His being ever so perfect, that nothing could ever taint or remove its lustre.

Sensing that she was tiring, he sashayed towards a bench. It was there that they would get some rest. They had been spending the entire night together.

She leaned against his shoulders, he snuggled her tight. Warmth. Yes, it was that same warmth that he gave her when they first met. Many couples they knew broke up because the feelings faded. Yet, somehow, they managed to keep that feeling going. Theirs was an everlasting flame. There wasn't any secret method which kept their relationship going, it was each other which always made it right.

As she rested in his arms, he gazed beyond that beautiful horizon.

The sun was about to rise.

It was always his wish to bring his other half to watch this beautiful picture, this spectacle that no artist could ever recapture.

To him, this made his life all worthwhile. There was nothing more he could ask for. Nothing else he'd ever want. Nothing more he'd ever need.

One man all by himself is nothing. But two people, who belong together, make a world.

And he knew, for sure, that both of them, as a single entity, were a world.

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Many people want to be rich. If not, richer. Or better still, richest. But, for me...

I just want to be able to watch the sunrise with my other half.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!


Merry Christmas, dear reader!!!

Hope you've gotten what you wanted this Christmas=)

Free

Free

The chains that have held me down,

Can no longer have me bound.

I have broken free from your grasp

That strangle which made me gasp.

You shall have no more of me

For I have broken free.

Those shackles that refused to break

Shattered under my tireless wake.

I will no longer be moved by fleeting desires

Nor flinch from endless perspires.

I have left this world of endless torments

And liberate myself from those mindless mans.

My heart has hardened from those tortures

My brain, grown tired from those lectures.

Yet somehow I still seem chained by those lessons

And still flogged by its mere presence.

Do as I will,

Do as I please.

Now my heart is moved by what's in front of me,

rather than what the world as a whole needs.

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About love and life, ruing the past (dis)ability to forget and move on. Gradually leading to a new perspective.

Taiwan

Taiwan


Haven't been able to blog for sometime, due to a spoilt computer. It's still spoilt but somehow i got blogger to work. Well... Let's talk about my not-so-recent trip to Taiwan.

I did ALMOST nothing else except eat, sleep and shop. I wasn't the one who shopped, more my mother and sister. Probably the two more interesting things are going to the hot spring and eating at MODERN TOILET. Yes. You heard it right, I ATE IN A TOILET. Ok, not really toilet but it's decor was of such. Oh ya! I kinda spammed the basketball machines, though i sucked at it.

Ok... I'm not gonna talk about all the trip details because it bores me, as much as you. Coming back from Taiwan made me realise something: I DON'T WANT TO STAY IN SINGAPORE!!!

To you, it might be shocking. But to me, i never thought i would want to stay out of here. A LOT of my friends either want to go overseas to study or just stay there for good. But i never ever thought of that!

I have been overseas quite a bit and every time when I get back, I'm glad. It's been like that from primary school through to secondary school. It's only this time that I've felt this way. You can't say because I had so much fun so I want to stay there because i was utterly bored to death. Perhaps, it was because I was bored so I kind of liked it. Time went by slowly. Nothing seemed rushed although we were rushing to get our transport. I guess I like, maybe even love, the laidback life.

It all meshes in that sense. I'm a very laidback person, taking things easy most of the time. I'm essentially happy-go-lucky person, living in the moment. So a slower-paced society will be my sort of place. Actually, I think it's because "I'm like an old man," according to one of my friends. I would agree actually because I move on when Time moves and never plan ahead. Even if I planned, I would never follow.

But this revelation puts somethings into perspective: EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN MY AGE GROUP HAS A DEEP INNATE DESIRE TO GET OUT OF HERE!

Probably, Singapore is like a pressure cooker for her people. And the most affected are teenagers. The intense pressure to be top in studies and activities, to have a myriad of achievements, to learn every single thing there is to learn and to excel in them. All these make up a teenager's life. If you're better than A, you'll be compared with B. This endless vicious cycle only serves to consume not only energies but spirits. Getting 2nd a competition might be a personal achievement but 2nd is never good enough. Teenagers are taught to do everything except relax.

What do i mean? Very simply, all of us are wired to compete, excel and be better than another. But, it doesn't take Einstein to see that we are often competing beyond our means. Venturing out of your comfort zone is good but working out of your capabilities isn't. Being unable to rest and recuperate restricts progress and society often prevents that. No one can accomplish everything. Instead of always putting ourselves down, we should take pride in the most littlest of things we have done.

In this never-ending rat race, there is and will be no clear winner. Instead of continually rushing, why not take breaks necessary? There is always tomorrow to complete what you have not for today. As long as relationships are kept, things which require clarity are clear and you managed to do something you love, is it not enough?

Live life to the fullest by doing things you enjoy- that is my creed. I am still trying to keep it in my heart all the time. If you've managed to this, is there really a need to leave Singapore behind?

Past of the Future

Past of the Future


The winding tunnel weaves,
Images fly past with much ease,
Darkness all around engulfs the past
Distorting the present and making it a farce

Clutching the memories,
Embracing the tragedies,
India formed her new journey
And Singapore her old gallery

The love diminished,
Her old fear replenished
The wait seemingly never-ending
But her love remains unwavering

The sky never changes anywhere
Looking up she remembers his presence,
Which fills her heart’s tear

Cast away thy name,
For the love of the dame
To change her destiny,
Fulfill her fate,
Persevere to meet eternity’s date.

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When yesterdays seem so far and future never drawing near, would there be any hope of reconciliation?

A poem for my friend’s love and their parting.

Untitled

Untitled

The pitter and the patter,
what more can it do
except worsen the pain
from the letter...

The only constancy left
is the rhythm of the rain.
No longer is there a reason
for the sky to not cry in pain

The morn will continue
and it will never end,
without hope or dream,
only left to pray at the pew.

Time has ceased.
The pain has not eased.
There is no more hope now.
I hope you are now appeased
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A rain-inspired poem I've written.

Facets of Impermanence

The Change


“ What has this change done to me? What have I done?” he thought to himself. Happy days seemed near. Yet, now it has never been further away.

Karl had everything in his life. Absolutely everything. He had a wonderful family and lived a simple life. Deep in his heart, however, he had wistful desires. He wanted something more. He wanted fame and fortune. He did not want to live a simple life any longer. He wanted his family to live the high life. He wanted every single one of his loved ones to have an easy life, or so he thought…

“And the winner is…Karl!” resonated throughout the hall. Karl was the new American Idol! He had acquired the fame and fortune he had always wanted. Now his family could live a life they could only previously dream of- the high life.

Women began flinging themselves on him. He had become a man every single woman would die for. Unable to overcome the strength of Temptation, he soon found Promiscuity in his bed everyday. He embarked not only the high life but also a promiscuous one. A life he once despised! What seemed to be love for his family at first now brought him to a life solely centred on the material world.

He spent every night out with a different woman. He no longer returned home, ironically neglecting his family. He never knew what happened at home. He never knew his wife would be waiting for him to return home every night. She sat like Patience on a monument, smiling at Grief.

Even her illness, he did not learn of.

Paradoxically, only after she had left the world did he notice her presence again. Even so, he did not even shed a tear at her funeral. He did not feel anything until her last words reached him on paper.

He opened it and read on:

“ I do not ask for money or anything else from you. I need nothing from you, except your love. I just want you to be happy. For your happiness is mine. All I want is for you to live your life the way you want to. I will not become your burden nor will I tarnish your name. For I know what you have now means more than what I ever will be. I just wish I could see you smile again, feel the warmth of your hug once more and have your lips touch mine. But I know I will never get it. I just want you to know, I love you, more than what money means to me…Your wife, forever.”

Closing the letter, he wept bitterly. He realised his folly, yet now he was powerless to do anything. All the fame and fortune in the world could not and would not be able to revive his beloved wife. He thought his wife would always be there. He took his wife’s existence for granted. Now that she was gone, he would never be able to say the words he had always wanted to,

“Phoebe, I love you. Please forgive me.”

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This is a story i've written a year and a half back. The last sentence is probably the most important sentence I've written. I hoped you enjoyed the story.

Representatives

Representatives


I was just wondering if a representative is a leader. You see, I've been the class representative for quite a number of times and invariably people look to me to lead the class. Not only that, the school looks at class representatives as leaders.

Representative: a person chosen to act or make decisions on behalf of another person or a group of people.

The meaning of representative definitely has a feel of leadership but notice the language. I am supposed to make a decision on behalf of them and not FOR them. You might ask what is the difference. The difference is clear in that only people who have power(ie leaders,parents etc) can make decisions FOR you and not necessarily on behalf of. On the other hand, I make a decision only on behalf of them, meaning i have no power whatsoever and i have to get majority's consensus before i can make a decision.

This bring me to the next point on being identified as a leader by the school. The school seems to be caught between two minds on whether class representatives are leaders. On one hand, the use 'representatives' rather than 'chairperson' or 'leader' indicating a want to share class duties/authority amongst the entire class and not having the clout on one person. But the other vests us with power to be leaders. How can a non-class leader be a school leader? It equates to calling a pawn, a rook(in chess terms) Although there is that potential to become a leader, it does not quite make sense to jump the gun.

Also, I believe a class representative should be the embodiment of the class(spirit). This means that the class is essentially represented by the epitome of it. Thereby, it must a person everyone can identify as a class, ie something like a mascot but not as useless.

Ok...so what exactly is my point?i can't be saying this for no reason right?unlike the last post which required you to think, let me give you the reasons.

1) People in the class do not take ownership of the class. I'm not sure if it's restricted to only my class and i'm pretty sure it isn't BUT the class seems to be over reliant,looking at me for directions most,if not all, the time. They expect me to be doing things for them, such as planning class outings and events. This is clearly not the way to go for class advancement. Because there is this lack of participation, there can be no class spirit or identity formed. With only a select few people helping me, it is clear the class has been isolated to only the few of us. The class as a whole chooses to take no part in decision-making for the class, rather wanting me to feed them. Thereby, a class representative has actually become a slave. And this is often true for other classes as well. The rest of the class takes no ownership at all, declining to help at every instance(for example for a class tee,celebrations)

They might claim it is due to me not telling them anything but i have told them before and still they decline to help. Perhaps, the best example is my vice class representative passing several duties which are easy to do to me and instead of requesting me to do it,she simply expects me to do it.

If i were a leader, i would just take it all on my back and carry it. Yet, I'm only a representative and my powers are limited. I am not asking to be a leader(I already am) but rather the class taking ownership of itself. By having a sole person take responsibility, it does no help for the class as a whole.

2) I think this is a bigger worry: the promiscuous use of words by S'poreans. I believe my statement says it all. S'poreans use words very liberally and interchangeably. 'Representative' and 'leader', 'few' and 'couple' are just some of the few examples. If it is an occasional slip in usage, it is still understandable. Who doesn't make the occasional slip-up? Throughout this post, I've probably made quite a number. But what i do not understand is schools making such mistakes over and over again. Is there no English department to identify the difference between a class representative and a leader? If there is, would someone kindly highlight this?

Schools should be decisive on who are leaders and who are not. Leaders should not only lead from the front but also the back. My school is probably the most liberal in the usage of the word 'leader' and as a 'leader' myself i feel ashamed. More than a third are identified as 'leaders' and the numbers keep increasing. But are we all really leaders? Aren't we flogging the word 'leader'? A lot of people cannot qualify to be a leader(myself included) but this liberal usage has led many to live in self-delusion that they are really leaders. Most of us are taught to be servants to the school,assisting out in projects. True enough, a leader must also serve. But the other dimension of leadership, making decisions, is left out most of the time. If this is the case, how can we be considered leaders?

Perhaps, I am too calculative over this but it is my belief that 'leader' is a very special word and can be placed on only those deserving of it. The liberal usage defiles and makes mockery of it. Indeed, many people in my school are already waking up to this idea. After all, if there is the student council,leaders and students and most students are leaders, isn't it equivalent to just naming students leaders for that ego boost? This certainly isn't the way to get participation. I have helped out at events not for the title 'leader' but rather i believe it improves myself. I need no ego boost. Everyone has confidence in themselves but giving them this false impression may backfire and quash their confidence.

Perhaps, our shameless use of words should be highlighted. No doubt it is probably a lesser evil compared to rudimentary errors but the bottomline is: it is still an evil. And the sooner we eliminate it the better. I am a strong believer in leaders leading by example and no Tom,Dick,Harry can be a leader. Yes, leadership can be cultivated but until a person is a true leader don't distort its meaning.

Schools in Singapore

Schools in Singapore


No. This is not a rant about how flawed Singapore's education system is (although it'll make a lengthy albeit biased post). Rather, I've noticed how S'pore government has made schools (exclude those independent ones) a microcosm of S'pore. Let me first explain that I don't have to prove every single aspect is the same but rather only the typical features. However, before I move on to prove my case, I do not intend to criticise, defame any person, union, government throughout the course of this one-sided discussion. And as a mere 17 year old, the way I view things might be narrow and biased, having not been exposed nor having fully comprehended the many things in life. But I maintain my right to expressing my opinions just as anyone can rebut them.

Firstly, let's look at the most obvious similarity: students(school) and residents(S'pore). The student body and residents of Singapore are pretty much the same:

Both are trying to loosen the iron-fisted approach of the authorities by rebelling and wanting to be in control of ourselves. Students want more freedom in expressing themselves and want to bend/break the rules set. One very good example is the modification of school uniform. Schools have laxed on rules regarding uniforms due to the students pushing the boundaries. Similarly, the Singapore population has for ages been appealing for greater freedom of speech and more opposition. This has seen the government giving more leeway towards citizens also.

The influx of foreign talent is also seen at both levels. It is becoming quite often to read of foreign students entering schools and topping the cohort as much as foreigners 'stealing' the jobs of locals. This apparent similarity is put forth even starker when we see students entering schools for exchange programmes which are akin to tourists.

Lastly, student volunteers and workers are of similar attributes. One might argue volunteers and workers are already different in one being paid and having power and the other doing it willingly. A clarification: what I mean by volunteers are actually class leaders, co-curricular activity participants and such(Note: student leadership bodies are not included). So effectively I'm talking about forced volunteerism, a paradox nonetheless. To make an attempt to clarify further, I would include the non-teaching staff in this category also as they effectively have no power but are forced to provide services. Both these groups are regulated and watched by a group which are above them in authority but below the government. Effectively, an individual rebellion will never work but a collective and concerted effort would cripple the whole system as both systems are reliant on these parties to function.

Therefore, I have already proven to you the first stage of microcosm. Next is the formation of a student leadership body(e.g. prefectorial board, student council) versus unions (e.g. NTUC, Teacher's Union etc). Before I draw the comparisons, I have to admit I’m not really sure of the achievements of the unions and most of my comments are purely drawn from people more world-wise than me who are in these unions.

Both student leadership bodies and unions possess a very useful trait for the teaching staff and government respectively, namely control. What do I mean by control? Very simple, students leaders are effective controllers of students and unions possess the ability to control union workers at their whim and fancy. An example would be prefects exerting authority to curb any unruly behaviour just like the union on an unhappy worker. On the other hand, this control can also be to garner or mobilise support in opposition of unhappiness. Having already established that students are a microcosm of S'pore residents, I have proven to you that student leadership bodies are a microcosm of unions as they effectively serve the same purpose.

To further supplement my point, let us compare both the bodies and unions in serving students and workers respectively. The student leadership body rarely is able to make decisions on its own, not to mention promise certain facilities, rights etc. Similarly, unions are unable to be decision-makers. Both are expected to serve interests yet we see they are crippled and unable to make any real change or improvements to those they are supposed to serve. To put this into perspective, let me give you the two corresponding scenarios:

1) If the student body wants an increase in the number of computers in the school, the student leadership body is unable to guarantee success and is only able to fight for it. More often than not, it will not be a success.

2) If workers demand a pay revision, unions are unable to give it to them but only fight for it. Ultimately, it is not within their control to make the change wanted but rather they can only fight for it.

The congruency of these two scenarios already proves the validity of my point on the bodies and unions unable to be decision-makers. Therefore, I have also justified the claim of student leadership bodies being a microcosm of unions.

The last point of comparison is, as you would have guessed it, the teaching staff and the government.

In Singapore, we have a procedural democracy where significant authority remains with the government whilst the people are pretty much reduced to bystanders in policy-making, being unable to stage rallies, protests etc. Schools similarly have a dictatorial feel, with students being unable to speak out and argue for their own case. This restricted freedom tallies in both cases and serves as a good point of reference.

Also, both take a paternalistic approach, believing in making decisions for the benefit of the people even if they are unwelcome. For example, schools’ belief in excelling academically churns out mandatory learning journeys which are, more often than not, not beneficial. Students detest going on such trips but are compelled to if not they face disciplinary actions. Let me draw a parallel with S’pore government’s policy of restriction of freedom of speech. Restricting our freedom to speech curbs the chance of inflaming any racial tensions which might result to riots again. Yet, they fail to recognise that freedom of speech is imperative for an open society which many Singaporeans want. Also, by promoting S’pore so often as a multi-racial, multi-cultural society, isn’t it a direct contradiction if a simple remark may lead to the disintegration of society? Therefore, we see the paternalistic approach is apparent in both government and teaching staff.

In both the cases of the teaching staff and government, we see the approaches taken and the manoeuvrability for freedom are starkly congruent. Even the compositions of both are echoed with a leader and sub-leaders!

What I have shown and proven you is S’pore government making schools the microcosm of Singapore. The parallels drawn have justified categorically my claim. There are even more likewise matters/policies, for example Edusave and CPF. The list of evidence is endless and perhaps we should ponder why things are as such. Is it the government’s way of preparing students for the real world in Singapore?

New Blog!!!

Can't believe I'm blogging again, not that anyone reads it. As much as i would like to say i don't really care if anyone reads, i do. Then again, who doesn't?

I've made this blog simple because i think this is how things should be. No point wasting time over making it aesthetically-pleasing because that's not me(and i don't know how to,i might add) This blog is meant to be simple and will remain this way because i want it to reflect life. Despite its many layers, life is simple. It is human thoughts which complicates matters.

I know i'm sounding philosophical and i intend to continue this way. If you don't like reading such blogs, then don't. Even if you are my only reader, you can jolly well scram because i believe blogs are personal(although we should still take responsibility for what we say) Even if you post a bad comment, I won't bother replying nor will i delete it. It's a waste of my time.

I've made this blog for myself and not you, the reader. So, i won't write things you want to hear but rather the opinions i want to express. I'm not going to write what happens in my daily life but the thoughts that have gone through(unless the events are particularly interesting to me).

If I do provoke,defame,slander or accuse anyone unintentionally, I do ask for your forgiveness. If I say something politically incorrect but is reality, maybe i meant it that way so don't make a big fuss out of it.

You can silence a voice but when it's everyone's voice, things change; Voix populi, voix dei.