I've just revised a poem written years ago, a poem that delineates the different responses of four readers, of different generations, to the seminal nationalistic poem by Edwin Thumboo . Thumboo is reckoned to be the first major Singaporean poet writing in English. First, Thumboo's poem, then followed by mine. ULYSSES BY THE MERLION (for Maurice Baker) I have sailed many waters, Skirted islands of fire, Contended with Circe Who loved the squeal of pigs; Passed Scylla and Charybdis To seven years with Calypso, Heaved in battle against the gods. Beneath it all I kept faith with Ithaca, travelled, Travelled and travelled, Suffering much, enjoying a little; Met strange people singing New myths; made myths myself. But this lion of the sea Salt-maned, scaly, wondrous of tail, Touched with power, insistent On this brief promontory... Puzzles. Nothing, nothing in my days Foreshadowed this Half-beast, half-fish, This powerful creature of land and sea. Peoples settled here, Brought to th
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Pretty good, I think. I like the rhyme scheme too.
I was surprised to see your face staring out at me from Silliman's Blog today. Let's hope that gets you a few extra, well-deserved hits.
By the by....I love your poetry and do you have a chapbook yet?
thanks for telling me about Silliman's blog. 800th poet! Whoopee! I'm glad I have a more decent photo up than the one before it.
Hi ckays,
thanks for reading! I have a book manuscript but not a book publication yet. Now if I can find that editor who would fall wildly and deeply in love with me...
Jee Leong
Thanks much,
CAConrad
thanks for dropping by. See you around.
Hi rui,
thanks for being so awfully encouraging.
Jee Leong