The Pen that Moves

Some heartfelt poems

By Raymond Anthony Fernando

Down by the river

A poem on the Singapore River

She cuts through the heart of the city

The Singapore River at night is oh so pretty!

The centre for commerce and trade for many decades

My love for the Singapore River will never fade

Easily recognisable at the mouth of the river is a

Statue of a half-fish, half-lion

This mythical beast, is named……

The Merlion

As my wife and I walk along the river,

I recall many fond memories

For here is where we courted and pledged that our

Affection for each other will never cease

Hugging the sides of the river are Clarke Quay and Boat Quay

Here is where we lunched, dined or sipped on local flavoured tea

Yesterday, we could see sailors and coollies, godowns and shophouses

Today, we see trendy restaurants and bars, and ladies

Dressed in fancy dresses and colourful blouses

The Singapore River has shaped my destiny

Here is where I can be imaginative and fancy-free

This river is also my haunt to write poetry

For the Singapore River has a breath taking view

That always seems to beckon me

Sincerely,

Raymond Anthony Fernando

© copyrightraymondfernando 2005
 *****

Floating Village

In the water, these homes were built

Attap houses, assembled on stilts

Floating village, or Kampong translated in Malay

Residents here in the state of Brunei enjoy their stay

You will be surprised that this village has its own school,

Mosque, and even a fire station

Basically a Muslim community,

Kampong Ayer bonds closely with citizens

In the city as a vibrant nation

This is a village that is out of this world and so serene

At night the beauty of Kampong Ayer is such a pretty scene

As expected, many of the villagers catch fish

Which at dinner make up the main dish

Children who grow up in Kampong Ayer

Will most certainly love the sea

Perhaps in adult life,

Sailors or fishermen, some may choose to be

Sincerely,

Raymond Anthony Fernando

© copyrightraymondfernando 2005

Poem: Love grows in a red rose

A poetic tribute to my lovely wife, Doris Lau

Dearest Doris,

I may have to write till I'm blind

But with you in my heart,

I can survive, I will be fine

Treasure the pretty red rose

Your favourite flower – the one I gave to you some time ago

The beautiful rose that made love grow

As my affection for you each day continues to flow

Place the red rose on your coat

And allow your dreams to stay afloat

I'll take you down on the dance floor

Dance with you cheek to cheek

Then you'll smile again, cheer you up

Perk you up - that's for sure

And when you finally pass on and be taken to the Lord

Like a drifting cloud

Each night, you will pass by

And as I look up yonder, high in the sky

I will see your face and try not to cry

For whenever I see a red rose in all its splendour

Your name, your face, your smile, your warmth

I will always cherish,

I will forever remember

Sincerely,

Raymond Anthony Fernando

@copyrightraymondfernandoSept2010