Ho Poh Fun (1946-2018)

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SELECTED POEMS

rain tree

shade providing
hospitality extending
your soft-hued flowers
pinnate leaves proliferating

’gainst what knowledge
of the sky’s igniting blue
can regular engagement
with the subduing silences of dusk
weave so many exquisitely-poised
densely-wrought arabesques?

and as we give pause

you continue threading the myriad elements
chance environmental presences
we can never dare to do without
or to abandon a concern

celebrating with tranquil breath
distributing evolving quantities of fresh air
the quiet obituaries, subtleties
grace, strength, forbearance

that life has to earn

by Ho Poh Fun
from Katong and Other Poems (1996)

 

SELECTED POEMS: "cicada-flung dawn" >