Driving north along the east coast
View to the east I like most
S China sea pristine dazzling
Crashing waves crackling
Fishermen living off the deep
For a rich harvest to reap
Always at the mercy of the waves
Prayers to avoid a watery grave
No room for any mistake
For marine offerings to partake
Strict discipline early learnt
No second chance if ever bent
Lore of the sea dictates
Nothing for granted to take
Learning from the sea early
To set out in the dark bravely
A coastline of fish culture
Hand in hand with nature
Drying fish seen everywhere
Manure for trees here and there
Turtles in the dark clambering
In the sands to lay eggs limbering
A treat this midnight ritual to witness
Challenges overcome with success
Monkey on leash up coconut tree
Eyes on handler for signals to see
The two thinking as one
Both having so much fun
Spinning tops craftsmen skillfully make
Turning almost without a break
Long tailed coloured kites in the sky
With glass coated strings to cut off they try
Playing field Casuarina fringed
Buildings African Tulip ringed
Bicycles in rows stacked
Programmes with activities packed
First experience as headmaster
Must not make it a disaster
Where to begin in this role
Made a plan as a first goal
For new year classes to begin
Timetables needed filling in
A big board chess game
Chips against teachers name
Challenging yet interesting
Computer less manually working
Head spinning getting this right
At last with help a glimmer of light
Each teacher with a time table
Now all ready and able
To give their best to the young
Admiration respect silently sung
Each teacher with a time table
Now all ready and able
To give their best for the young
Admiration respect silently sung
For my teachers only praise
Working with dedication and grace
With this a strong bonding
Students getting a good moulding
Gilbert Khoo Rahim Ustaz Kandhavel Nora
Stanley Issaccs Arumugham Gurusamy Royan
Yeong Mrs John Bujal Cherian Mrs Jega
Sad farewell after two years
Sent off to the gate by all in tears
This experience uplifting moving
To see all so very caring
Lessons learnt this way
Really made my day
Using them now every way
Precious gift for me I can say
People here so gentle and kind
Such kindness not that easy to find
Honour and privilege for me
To be part of this happy family
M P Prabhakar
11.4.15
PJ
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