Many more than thirty pupils contributed poems for this celebration of thirty years' development, growth, learning and experience. It was impossible to include all, but we hope the poems contained within this little book perhaps best represent facets of Singapore as observed through the keen eyes of thirteen year olds. Some poems are reflective, some a little poignant, others capture the humour and pleasure of everyday life. Whatever you find between these pages, we hope you enjoy the experience.

~Mrs Carolyn Grainger - Literature Teacher, Nan Hua Secondary School 1995

My Homeland

A Country that is clean and green
filled with green trees everywhere.
Standing upright with their lanky straight backs
bestowing upon the lakes a majestic image.

The shoppers' paradise, ever so crowded
with busy people rushing to sales.
Always packed with people who are so.....
Kiasu!

The King of fruits - a mouthwatering sensation.
The aroma of durians drifting through the market place.
The sight of it makes you stare with envy.
Taste it, try it; it is so delicious!

The waxy petals of the orchid
brilliant and regal on tall stems.
Jewels precious diamonds
glittering image after image
assails my senses.
The familar chicken rice
welcomes me.
My mother country,
Singapore.

~ Yap Eng Yee, Ivy

My Singapore

A little island, set in the sea,
Is glittering and bright as anyone can see.
A tiny nation that's packed with love and more,
I'm proud to say it's my dear Singapore.

Just take a walk down a Singapore street,
It is where friends and strangers will meet.
Though it's a settlement covering a small area,
It's actually a paradise without a barrier.

The faces of Singapore - always transfixed in ecstacy,
The smiles and the warmth - all set in reality.
The sights, the smells and the people so carefree,
As always, living in perfect harmony.

Singapore really is a most wonderful place,
Full of surprises, to be found and embraced.
Singapore! Singapore! My desired home,
It is my abode where I am never alone.

~Kong Wanpei

The Lantern Festival

The last Lantern Festival,
I celebrated with my lover.
She was as beautiful as the moon
in the sky.

We walked together,
holding a lantern each
in the moonlight.
Candles were lit,
twinkling stars in the sky.
The burnt smell
of the candle smoke,
as if we were having a barbecue.
Lighted lanterns were
as gorgeous as the moon.
Screams and laughter of children
smiles on grown-ups' faces
showed the happiness, fun
and the joy of the festival.
But this Lantern Festival,
My lover is gone.
My heart is full of sorrow.
I let my tears drench my sleeves,
and the Lantern Festival,
will never be the same again.

~ Shen Peixin

Tropical Night

The night replaces the sun,
Twinkling stars light up the sky...
That's where our bright moon lies
Casting a warming hue over the evening's fun.

Our exotic night life begins in Chinatown,
Which is famous for its late night bazaar;
Selling Chinese antiques... pots and jars
And also handmade hats resembling crowns.

Walking briskly along the soft-lit pathways,
sharp eyes feasting on richly vividly sights...
from mystical Chinese temples to primitive cock fights
these are scenes which make Chinatown gay.

As time slips by quietly away,
Singaporeans retire to their beds,
The night is like broken jade;
Magnificent but slowly dwindling away...

~Yeow Minyi

Style of Singapore

No matter how small our island may be
The secret of success is what you can't see.
How could a fishing village so many years ago,
Become a country the whole world knows?

Just walk onto the bus and see,
the different races chatting happily.
Work, childhood, school or even food,
there is always much to cheer up our moods.

Now walk along the river and view,
our ancestors' heritage proud and true.
Because they were willing to sacrifice,
therefore we live such wonderful lives.

Food here is cheap and nice,
Singapore is the FOOD PARADISE.
Curry, steak, just name your choice,
we'll try our best to make you enjoy.

Celebrations are held throughout the year,
from Easter, Christmas to Chinese New Year.
Just let yourself have a happy heart,
you'll enjoy the fact you played your part.

Peace, peace is what we believe,
And no wars around is our greatest relief.
Rejoice, rejoice that you live here,
The little place, with least to fear

~Elizabeth Pang