RIVER STAYS LOYAL

(1)

Thames river London

witness  British Empire rules

Queen Victoria shines

Kings fight for power and throne

Big Ben keeps the chime

(2)

Seine river Paris

witness architecture  grows

Eiffel Tower high

Reinassance makes history

since Napolean era

(3)

Amstel  Netherland

intertwine canals yonder

great nation thrive

overcoming  disaster

the world to conquer

Back to these cities

walking down memory lanes  

keeping my heart warm

river always stay flowing
promisingly and loyal

#umihomecomingtrip

#jalan2eropahdulu

Mac2017

WIND AND CHIME

chime i
is a bell from Thai Airways
hung to the laundry line
high up in the air
away in faraway land
reminds me of childhood

it chime
frantic with the wind
a lullaby in summer
poetic when i am alone
musical when i am down
miss home even more


chime ii
is made of bamboo
sounds like a percussion
when the wind blows continuosly
from the Danga Bay
up to the balcony on the hill

chime iii
is made of shells
clanking when hit by wind
from the beach nearby
noisy during monsoon

chime iv
is a light wooden birdnest
attached to a metal tube
that jingles less in the hill
rythm softly but with a pitch


All chime
anywhere we live
as the family grows
the wind never ceased
the memories live on
its becoming part of home

Harmoni Bak Batik

Mencari identiti merdeka
Kita bangsa Malaysia
Tiada Melayu, Cina atau India
Bahasa Malaysia  menyatukan semua.

Bendera itu lambang merdeka
Megah berkibar di kota dan desa
Patriotik disemai sejak tadika
Sejarah  dihayati melalui sketsa

Kain batik pusaka zaman
Pelbagai warna tercetus ilham
Corak bunga mekar setaman
Mahu pun motif dari alam
Harmoni lukisan jadi idaman
Ibarat perpaduan  Darul Salam

Batik sarong itu pengikat kasih
Segala perasaan dianyam mesra
Dibuat basahan sirami selasih
Hadiah buat bonda dan nenda
Yang tua dan muda tidak tersisih
Sayangi Malaysiaku  negara tercinta





 

THE CHOICE

Since when did you notice

That we stop being human

Once you updated your status

Social media go wham

Some throw destructive hiatus

Or break the hearts with condemn

More caring back then

When there was no smartphone

Only messages black on white screen

No fb, emoji and  media bullying

No viral twitter nor instagram

Less hurtful less painful less harm

As technology blooms

We are given the choice

To share our minds

Some like to be anonymous

Some inspire in lots of ways

Some potray such loving couples

Some faking happiness

To get back to their enemies

The choice is yours

Don't you hurt others

For your own pleasures

Be the super caring humans

TWEET TOGETHER

the birds noisily chirp
tweet tweet in the trees

in the morning
they hungrily chirp
then all is quietness

in the garden missing the chirp
off they go hunting niches

in the evening
again merrily chirp
making me  a little jealous

because they team up to chirp
tweet tweet in the trees

bedtime ticking
in the nest they chirp
making me curious

is that my birds that chirp
spooky enough to peep in the trees

ZURIAT

Rumah kampung semakin sunyi
Ibu dan ayah menunggu sepi
Anak 10 berhijrah merata negeri
Mengikut pasangan mencari rezeki
Kental jiwa mereka berdua
Membina keluarga bawa ke syurga
Getir pahit manis dihadap bersama
Asal anak-anak berdikari perkasa

Ayah menabur baja pepohon idaman
Ibu menyiram dengan doa mengharum
Membelai mesra sehingga meranum
Musim menuai nikmat menguntum

Anak-anak berlalu cerdas
Alpa mengejar dunia
Rakus menggapai status
Bahagia mengumpul harta

Namun anak-anak akhirnya pulang
Bersama  kalungan piala agung
Di kala ibu dipuji ayah disanjung
Lelah terhela  sakit tua pun hilang

The willow still weep

First we encounter Park Campus Uni of Northants

Still in  daze remembering the past venue

The Kingsthorpe Road sign  jolted my memory

I have walked this path with my housemates!

And the cherry blossoms were in full bloom

Can't resists a few snaps here

We were escatic frenzy with excitements

And the street is uphill

So i was admiring the beautiful scenery

The blue sky and wind all freshen up my memory

Further down  the hill

Trying to figure out the racecourse

On the left turn

There stand loyal is the Avenue Campus

The glass library and the steps

Were so familiar in my vision

Parked at the back where once was a gym

Now students accomodation rise up.

I walked slowly to the nearest door

Into the building  i was lost.

I retraced back to another door

Aah.. the basement now has become offices 

Ended at the Uni shop

Across it the cafe is still there

at the centre of the courtyard.

Aah. all the memories come flowing

I ran upstairs to our labs and lockers

All have changed to a new department.

But the windows still there

And the radiator  that's my favorite port

Following the corridors to the foyer.

I can see the racecourse straight from there

I jump to the steps and the garden

The weeping willow has grown tall

Suddenly i miss my dear friends

The spot we gather together

Waiting on the stones barricade

Teary eyed i snapped more photos

The daffodils plot is still there

As if blooming for me

But our fire exit door is closed 

So a pose outside is a must.

 I can just stay in the wind

And comtemplate all the beauty

Nene college that I feel at home

Now is proudly  the Uni of Northampton.

SCOTLAND TOUR

Daffodils di belakang rumah  sudah mengeluarkan bunga kuning ceria.  Naimah terpekik -pekik  dari backyard hanya untuk  Amal datang memetik bunga. Seperti orang tidak pernah tengok bunga. Langit  pun dah cerah kembali walaupun  suhu masih sejuk  nyaman.   Matsaleh pun dah pakai baju kuning dan warna warni menandakan suasana yang ceria. Warna pakaian mereka menandakan mood.

                “ Where do you want to go this Easter Break?” Vivian bertanya semasa mereka keluar jogging bertiga. It’s the best time to explore Scotland.”

                “ How about Edinburgh?  Victoria lives there. Its time for another adventure” hati Amal teruja nak berjumpa penpal yang kedua. Tetapi Zain sudah mengingatkan supaya jaga diri bila  pergi tempat orang.

                “ I will join the Melvilles visiting friends in Swansea.” Naimah sudah merancang awal. Okid pula akan ikut kakaknya ke Lake District.

                “ I will invite  Zain if he is coming with us.”  Amal tidak lupa pengalaman bersama Zain sebagai guide semasa melawat London.

                Zain pun belum sampai ke Scotland.  Zain terus setuju apabila Amal mempelawa. Mereka mengambil intercity terus ke Edinburgh dari Birmingham. Perjalanan selama  empat jam. Nasib baik mereka  bertolak awal, sampai pukul 12.00 dan tidak susah untuk mencari  bed & breakfast. Mereka makan meehoon yang Amal bekalkan semasa dalam train tadi. Petang itu mereka  bersiar-siar sekitar bandar, melawat The Royal Mile dan bangunan berhampiran.  Mereka  tercari-cari juga kedai Pakistan. Tetapi terjumpa kedai  Asia jual mee segera Maggi asam laksa.  Jadi mereka makan di bilik sahaja malam itu.

                “We go find Victoria  first thing in the morning. Is it okay with you Vivian?” Zain menyusun jadual semasa dalam train lagi.

                “ Yes I think that’s wise. Then we can ask Victoria to be our guide” cantik idea Vivian.

                Mereka  mengambil cab ke alamat rumah Victoria.  Rumah nya seperti cottage. Ada dua kereta parking di taman yang sedang berbunga. So countryside.  Selepas menekan loceng terpacul wanita separuh umur  nampak sangat keibuan.

                “Hello how can I help you?” Makcik tu pula yang menyapa mereka.

                “We are looking for Victoria. I am Amalnina her penpal from Malaysia.” Amal segera memperkenalkan diri.

                “Ouh. You have come to the right place but I am afraid you cant find her now.” Mukanya tiba-tiba kelihatan sedih, berlinang airmata. Dia terus memanggil seseorang  “ Charles, come over please.”

                “Yeah mom, whats bothering you.” Lelaki sebaya  dengan mereka keluar  dan memapah makcik tadi masuk. “ Do you want them to come in, mom?”  dia membongkok mendengar ibunya berbisik.

                “ Come in please,  I need to  calm down my mom  first, will you please excuse me.” Jejaka itu begitu sopan melayan mereka  walaupun bukan kenalan. Lima minit kemudian jejaka itu keluar dan memperkenalkan diri sebagai abang Victoria, Charles.

“ My mom was upset because you bring back memories of Victoria.  Actually we lost her a month ago in a road accident. We are still mourning.”  Charles  memecah kesunyian.

                “Oh! I am very sorry to hear this news. Please accept our condolences.  Sorry to disturb you and family anyway.” Amal  jadi serba salah samada mahu pulang atau  berkenalan terlebih dahulu tapi Charles  sangat baik orangnya.  Dia terus ingin berkenalan dengan mereka  bertiga. Dia bertanya dimana mereka  menginap dan dia juga pohon maaf kerana Amal tidak sempat berjumpa Victoria.

                “ I know about you Amalnina. Victoria enjoys reading your letters and she plans to travel to Malaysia one day. But…..Never mind  I can show you around on her behalf.” Charles  pula ingin membantu. Hanya Charles yang tinggal bersama ibunya.  Ibunya mungkin terhibur dengan kehadiran mereka.  Keluarganya berasal dari Ireland.  Ayahnya orang Scotland dan mempunyai hartanah disini. Charles  masih belajar  sebaya dengan Zain. Sebelum mereka pulang Martha ibu Victoria keluar dan berpelukan dengan mereka semua. Dia rasa terharu bila ada kenalan Victoria yang datang dari jauh.

                Amal pulang dengan hati yang hiba. Belum sempat jumpa, Victoria sudah  meninggal.  Ophelia pun hilang berpindah.  Tidak kesampaian dia menjejak penpal yang telah memberi dia inspirasi selama ini.

“We still have 3 days here. What shall we do?” Zain baru bersuara. “ I want to see the monster of Loch Ness.” Memang niatnya nak menceriakan Amal,  mengalih tujuan datang ke Edinburgh.

                “ Its okay Amal, At least you get to know her family. Her brother is so nice. He will pick us tomorrow for sightseeing.”  Vivian sudah terpikat dengan budak mata biru tadi.  “We still need to climb the Carlton Hill, snap photo from Arthur’s Seat. They said the view up there was breathtaking.”

                Keesokan hari  Charles datang dengan kereta Volkwagen.  Entah apa yang Zain bincangkan, dia bersetuju membawa  mereka ke Loch Ness.  Percutian mereka  jadi lebih ceria dengan kehadiran Charles yang sangat budiman. Dia cepat mesra dan tidak menganggap kami sebagai foreigner.  Perjalanan ke sana mengambil masa empat  jam. Zain dan Amal  berhenti untuk solat. Kemudian mencari vegetarian food.  Charles  mulai faham serba sedikit mengenai Islam. Vivian terlebih  peramah melayannya.

                “Nin, smile you are on candid camera.” Zain suka betul mengusik. Semasa mencari tempat solat,  sempat lagi dia bergurau doakan abang dalam doa. Amal  rasa terhibur dapat bersama dengan Zain tetapi masih menjaga batas pergaulan.  Ada masa rasa nak peluk Zain kerana sangat sayang padanya tapi itulah cabaran aurat.

                Mereka  sampai di Loch Ness pukul 3.00 petang. Selepas mengambil gambar dan pusing-pusing sekitar  lagoon, Charles mencadangkan mereka  bermalam di Inverness yang mengambil masa dua jam perjalanan dari situ. Akhirnya mereka  bermalam di country home kepunyaan bapa Charles. Siapa sangka mereka  dapat peluang berkenalan dengan Charles  yang hartawan.  Vivian sudah nampak masa depannya.

                Malam tu mereka  masak  grill trout with potato. Rasa seperti pergi camping.  Charles bercerita mengenai pelayaran  musim panas  bersama bapanya.  Dia pernah sampai ke Shetland Isles dan pulau disekitar Scotland. Hati teruja sekali lagi kerana Agnes tinggal di sana. Tapi Amal diam memendam perasaan sebab Zain sudah signal supaya jangan gelojoh.   Malam itu hujan turun lebat sekali dan angin bertiup amat menakutkan.  Nasib baik Vivian ada bersama, dah lah tidur di rumah kosong. Tiba-tiba lampu padam.  Mereka  berdua  menjerit ketakutan sehingga Zain datang membawa torchlight.

                “There’s no electricity and the room will be cold until morning, How about all of us huddle in one room.” Charles  cuba menyelesaikan masalah.  “There’s nothing to be scared about, no ghosts here in my house.  Except it will be dark and cold.”

                “Abang Z, Nin takut ni. Boleh percaya ke matsaleh ni?” tanganku dah berpaut pada lengan Zain.

                “ I think we will be fine in one room, safer than here in the dark.” Mereka pun berkumpul di bilik Charles yang ada dua single bed. Masing-masing  membawa sleeping bag, cuma kena tidur berhimpit untuk dapatkan suhu badan.

                “Vivian and Nin can share the bed, Abang will be next on the couch.  Charles can take another bed.” Cepat Zain selesaikan kedudukan mereka sebelum Charles mengarah. Amal paling takut kalau  Charles cadangkan tidur ikut pasangan kerana lelaki tidak mahu kongsi  katil sesama lelaki.  Amal semakin sayangkan Zain dengan cadangannya itu.

                Keesokan pagi  Charles  dan Zain bangun awal dan  menyalakan  api pemanas di dapur. Apabila  mereka  turun breakfast mashed  potato with baked beans sudah tersedia. Amal cuba membantu mencari mug dan menyediakan kopi. “You sleep well last nite ladies?” Charles menyapa.

                Lelaki matsaleh memang suka layan perempuan dengan baik. Harap Zain belajar dari Charles. Vivian dan tergilakan Charles sejak semalam lagi. Percutian ini pun istimewa kerana dapat sampai ke country house di Inverness tanpa dirancang dan dapat mengalaminya adventure  bersama Zain tersayang.

                Hari itu sebelum pulang mereka  bersiar sekitar Inverness dan mengikut jalan  melalui pantai timur Scotland. Charles  banyak menceritakan pengalaman semasa belayar dilaut sehingga ke Norway.  Ayahnya keturunan Viking yang jaguh dalam pelayaran. Dari Aberdeen pemandangan tepi laut sangat menakjubkan dan kami tidak lepaskan peluang bergambar . Charles  suka mencuri gambar candid. Dia dan Zain bergilir – gilir  mengabadikan  gambar couples mereka.  Percutiani ni meninggalkan kenangan romantic buat  mereka  semua. Charles  memang bersahaja memeluk Vivian semasa bergambar, kadang-kadang hingga berlaga pipi. Lelaki matsaleh memang charming dan Vivian pula melayan bersahaja. Amal  paling suka gambar dari belakang yang menunjukkan Ain dan Zain duduk berdua menghadap Dunnottar Castle dan North Sea yang luas.  Mereka bermalam   di Stonehaven Lodge dan sempat menikmati  sunrise keesokannya.

                Ibu Charles sudah sedia menunggu  mereka setiba di Edinburgh. Dia telah menempah lassagna dari kedai vegetarian.  Dia pun mempelawa mereka bermalam di bilik Victoria. Amal menolak nya dengan sopan kerana mahu pulang ke Northampton  sebelum malam. Mereka  sangat menghargai layanan Charles dan ibunya. Mereka menjemput Amal datang lagi ke Edinburgh. Aneh juga mereka  dapat berkenalan dengan keluarga Scottish yang baik hati. Terubat juga rindu pada keluarga di kampung.

                “I really enjoy the holiday Nin, I wish we can always go holiday together.” Zain sempat mengenggam tangan Amal semasa duduk bersebelahan di dalam intercity.  Vivian sudah terlena. Rasa malu pula nak bertentang mata dengan nya. Lama juga Zain menggengam erat tangannya sehingga  Amal bersuara.

                “Yeah …I feel special with abang.” Amal terus merungkai  genggaman Zain tapi melentukkan kepala pada bahu Zain. Sebenarnya Amal ingin  mengelak malu kerana mukanya  sudah merah padam. Zain terus merangkul bahu Amal. Selang lima minit Zain juga  terlelap. Perjalanan  mereka memang memenatkan. Entah bila Amal  pun terlena  dalam lamunan cinta. 

                “ Hey lovebirds wake up. Luckily I don’t snap your romantic  close up.” Amal cepat-cepat membetulkan scarfnya kerana  mendapati bibir Zain bersentuh dahinya semasa tersedar tadi. Kemudian baharu Zain terjaga dan tersenyum nakal.

                “I like it when you  blushes, Nin.” Sempat lagi Zain membisik manja pada telinganya.

“We are approaching Birmingham already. We need to change train.” Amal  menjawab selamba. Percutian ini membuatkan Zain lebih berani meluahkan perasaannya. Jiwa Amal rasa bergetar bila bertentangan mata dengannya.

Hari sudah mula senja semasa mereka  sampai di Northampton.  Mereka berbual  menikmati udara musim bunga sambil berjalan .  Setiba di Connaught  Zain singgah dan mengada-ngada minta sediakan english tea. Tapi dia belikan doughnuts untuk  mereka  nikmati bersama.  Oleh kerana sudah maghrib, dia tumpang  solat dalam bilik Amal . Amal  gementar betul bila dia minta nak guna bilik tadi. Tapi Zain memang  boleh dipercayai.  Dia tidak ambil peluang pun tapi merenung  mesra semasa Amal menghantar dipintu.

“ Are you mad at me, Nin? ” dia ingin kepastian.

“Yes, I want to pinch you.” Amal  menjawab geram

“And I want to kiss you.”  Zain memuncungkan mulutnya.

“Go away, Zainol Lee”  Amal  memukul manja pada dada Zain.

“Bye, love” Zain berlari pergi.

Suasana bising di pintu menyebabkan Vivian keluar menyampuk. “ Did he kiss you?”

NENE COLLEGE ST GEORGE'S AVENUE

Hari yang nyaman. Angin sepoi-sepoi  dengan cuaca yang selesa. Terpegun melihat kerenah budak-budak ‘matsaleh’  sedang berjemur di padang kolej. Nene College terletak dihadapan racecourse  yang tak digunakan lagi. Kehijauan rumput menakjubkan  dan luasnya macam padang golf. Pokok fir memagari sekeliling padang itu dan pemandangannya dari pintu depan kolej amat cantik sekali.

Lapan pelajar Malaysia disambut mesra oleh Kaunselor Kolej Mr Paver. Selepas pendaftaran lawatan keliling kolej telah diiringi oleh  lima orang pelajar senior.  Antara teruja dan risau sepanjang lawatan itu apabila Duncan bertanya   “So where are you staying? I am staying at Derby Road with my foster family. If  you need a place, the registrar can help you.”

“Saya Nurin, wakil pelajar Malaysia disini.  Ikut kakak lepas ni, jangan daftar alamat lagi.” . Orang melayu dibumi asing mestilah nak tinggal dengan orang melayu. Selepas minum teh dikantin kolej kami berempat  pelajar perempuan tajaan KPM menyertai Kak Nurin  menumpang  dirumahnya.  Ia cuma bedsitter  satu bilik dirumah keluarga Pakistan Mr Husin.

“Bila masuk ni, jangan buat bising. Makcik ni fussy. Kalau dia tahu ada yang menumpang dia caj sewa.” Dengan luggage yang berat mereka terhegeh-hegeh naik tangga ke tingkat atas. Keluarga Mr.Husin tinggal di aras bawah.  Kak Nurin berkongsi bilik air  dan dapur dengan dua penyewa lain. “Kak nak masak ni , meanwhile you all can freshen up. ”

Mereka makan dengan berselera spaghetti bolognese. “Sedapnya masakan Kak Nurin dan terima kasih banyak kerana tumpangkan kami disini.” sopan tutur Naimah dari  Pahang.  Bunyi ketukan di pintu, anak Mr Husin kata ada pemuda nak jumpa Kak Nurin.  Sementara Kak Nurin tiada kami berbincang  berkongsi rumah sewa. “Tak seronok lah tinggal serumah dengan landlady! Tak bebas langsung.”  bentak Vivian gadis dari Sabah.

“Landlady  beri satu malam je untuk tumpangkan you all. So kak minta Abang Suhairi datang ambil luggage  kamu dan esok menumpang di rumah budak-budak  MARA.”  sayu Kak Nurin jelaskan. “Abang Suhairi sedang cari rumah sewa untuk you all. Kak pun ada tanya Mr Husin kalau dia tahu kawan-kawan yang nak  sewakan bilik.”  Malam itu kami tak cakap banyak . Tidur dalam satu bilik berkongsi selimut dan berbantalkan coat yang baru beli di London semasa transit di Malaysia Hall semalam.

Orang Melayu memang baik hati. Sarapan dah siap bila kita bangun. Malu pula menyusahkan Kak Nurin. Abang Suhairi pun datang breakfast  disini.  Selepas luggage dah dimuatkan dalam kereta Abang Suhairi, Okid Hidayah bergurau manja “ Macam mana kita nak pergi rumah budak MARA ni, kak  ada kereta juga ke?”

“ You have to walk my dear girls. We move about walking here. So brace yourselves. It is going to be a long walk for our manja  freshies” Sambil berjalan kami menikmati cuaca yang nyaman dipenghujung musim panas . Pemandangan pun sangat indah.  Kawasan kejiranan di sini semua rumah terrace. Kamu menuruni  bukit menuju ke kawasan lapang.

“Bukan kah ni racecourse  depan Nene College” Naimah kelihatan hairan.

“Kita mesti melintasi racecourse dulu sebelum sampai ke Melville Street, so  Nene College is midway there” jelas Kak Nurin.

Amalnina dibesarkan di Kota Bharu dan mempunyai ramai pen-pals di England, Scotland , Wales, dan Shetland Isles. Bapa Amalnina seorang guru berpandangan jauh dan menghantar anak-anaknya ke sekolah Inggeris supaya suatu hari mereka dapat belajar diluar negara.  Bahan bacaan mereka adik beradik adalah dari bahan Bahasa Inggeris.  So Amal cepat kenal persekitaran baharu, sense of directions nya  selalu betul. “Naimah don’t you notice this is the  campus field, up on the slope is the gym with the  half cylindrical roof. You walk up this hill to the  college and there is the low land racecourse. And we are going to cross to the other side of the racecourse.”

“Jauhnya Kak Nurin, tiada bas ke kat sini?” Naimah  dah nampak keletihan.

“Sambil-sambil jalan kita berbual. Cuaca disini tak panas dan tak berpeluh walaupun berjalan jauh. Lama-lama you terbiasalah. They call it take a stroll but if you are going to college you have to brisk walk.” Kak Nurin memberi semangat.  Selepas 20 minit mereka sampai di jalan yang sibuk, ada kedai sepanjang jalan. “ Now this is Kettering Road, main road here and  your nearby shops. Let’s stop at the grocery there and buy some fruits for the girls. Orang Melayu tak lupa buah tangan.”

Pelbagai buahan-buahan mediteranean ada disini. Srawberry, red delicious apple, granny smith, oranges, cherries, apricot, pear, peaches and plums. “Bestnya kak Nurin  hari-hari boleh beli buah balik dari kolej nanti.” Teruja saya tengok buah-buahan yang lazat tu.

“Hey everyone choose your favorites. Make it two packs; one for kak Nurin and another one for the girls.” Okid tersenyum riang. Okid dah biasa tinggal di London semasa primary school dulu. Ibubapa dia pernah berkhidmat di Malaysian Hall selama tiga tahun. Sebab tu lah dia tidak jakun macam kita yang baru merasa living in the UK. Dia dikenali sebagai Heidi disini.

                Terasa lenguh juga kaki berjalan sehingga kami tiba di Melville Street dan disambut mesra oleh Raihana, Nik Malihan dan Wan Azizah. Mereka dah tiba satu minggu awal dan settle nicely and done their groceries. Mereka dah kenal Grosvernor Center, dah buka akaun di Lloyd Bank, tahu nak dapat halal meat di Pakistan Store. Mereka nak pergi self service laundry petang nanti.

                “You have a cosy place here” Vivian bersuara sambal menikmati English tea with digestive biscuits. “How much is the rent?”

                “Reasonable price for students but you must be willing to share. Do you mind sharing with the Muslim girls.”  Kak Nurin ingin kepastian Vivian seorang  kadazan Kristian.

                “ I don’t mind, we are Malaysians, makan nasi macam you all. Dah biasa dengan budaya Islam di sekolah  berasrama.” Vivian meyakinkan kami semua.

                “ Kak Nurin have lunch with us. It is my turn cooking today. Then you can bring us hunting for stationary after lunch. College will recommence next week.” Wan Azizah mempelawa. Dia memperkenalkan dirinya kak long, sebab dah biasa jaga adik-adiknya yang sepuluh orang. “Sementara dapat rumah sewa you are welcome here. Tolong basuh pinggan okay.”

                Raihana yang suka melawak ajak Vivian menumpang biliknya diground floor. Nik membawa mereka naik ke tingkat atas. Okid yang berlagak macam ketua mereka ingin berkongsi bilik dengan kak long. Jadi Naimah dan Amal masuk bilik Nik Malihan kerana biliknya besar, master bedroom. “Who’s the other girl. I thought you are four?” Amal bertanya setelah melihat satu bilik kosong.

                "Oh yes! This is  Liza’s room. Remember! You have to register at the NHS clinic, after medical check-up there, the doctor refered her to the hospital. Said she has tumour in the brain. That’s why she always complained having headache and was not fit to have long walk or hectic student life. She also have mood swings.” Niki  bercerita dan persoal kenapa penyakit dia tidak dikesan semasa di Malaysia. “The college is sending her back, giving her time to recover. Her parents also have been informed. Tuesday she will be discharge and Saturday she is flying home.”

                “Poor girl. I hope I can survive this ordeal. Anyway it’s good she is going home. Being ill far away from home is another sad episode.” Naimah bersimpati.

                Lunch was delicious. kak long gembira sangat dapat sediakan nasi kerabu masakan Kelantan. Nik dan Amal pun orang Kelantan so mereka banyak membantu kak long masak tadi. Apa lagi Okid dan Vivian yang tak pernah pekena nasi kerabu makan dengan pelahap sekali. Pada waktu itu juga Abang Suhairi sampai membawa luggage mereka semua. “Luggage pergi pusing dunia ke? Dah lama kita sampai, luggage tunggu time makan ye?” usik Kak Nurin.

                “Okay lah tu langkah kanan. Abang, jemput makan nasi kerabu . Makan dengan keropok yang Niki bekalkan. Lain kali bawa ayam seekor boleh kami buat ayam percik.” Kak long peramah mempelawa Abang Suhairi yang dah tersipu-sipu malu.

AVON di NORTHAMPTON

Disember 1978

Hujan tidak berhenti-henti sejak semalam. Langit hitam tidak berseri tapi angin monsun sejuk mendamaikan. Selepas last  spm paper  semalam, Amalnina merancang untuk mengemas biliknya yang sudah tak terurus dek kesibukan menelaah pelajaran sekolah. Adiknya Rubiana belum bangun masih lena diulit mimpi indah. Lama juga dia merenung masa depan untuk belajar di luar negara dan inspirasinya  untuk bertemu dengan pen-pals disana.

" Kak Amal, nanti kita sama-sama kumpulkan surat-surat pen-pals dan ajar adik bagaimana nak balas surat ya" Rubiana mangejutkan Amalnina dari lamunan."

"Kalau ya pun pergi mandi dulu, lepas tu breakfast. Kak pun nak balas surat Agnes yang dah lama tak berjawab."

Lepas menolong ibu mengemas apa yang patut di dapur, mereka pun mengemas bilik. Lepas satu -satu kotak dikeluarkan dari bawah katil. Tahun SPM ini memang sangat sibuk dengan tuition dan study group, Amalnina hanya sempat masukkan kertas-kertas dalam kotak dan menyoroknya di bawah katil. Baju dalam almari pun perlu sort-out, walaupun bukan banyak sangat.

" Tengok ni album gambar Paksu  masih ada disini. Cantik-cantiklah foto dari overseas ni. Pemandangannya sungguh menarik, muka nampak berseri-seri. Mesti udara disana sangat fresh. Teringinnya nak pergi sana."  Rubiana bersuara.

" Bila ada keinginan disitu ada jalan. You must get less than 15 aggregates if you want to further studies overseas. Kak Amal dah cuba yang terbaik. Tunggu tawaran saja ke UK. Sejak Paksu balik dari London lagi kak dah menyimpan cita-cita dan kak berusaha. Bukan udara je segar, bau London tu pun magis bila dapat souvenier dari Paksu. Ia bagai azimat tau."

" Wah! konfiden la kakak kita. Adik pun nanti  ingin ikut jejak kakak. Nanti boleh jumpa Agnes pen-pal dari UK tu. Lifesytle kat sana memang menarik kan.."

Julai 1979

"Amal cepat dapatkan surat-surat dari  UK ni. Mestilah dari pen-pals...." Kak Long Mawardina menjerit dari pagar depan selepas berkejar mengambil surat dari posmen.

 Amalnina bergegas  meluru turun dari tingkat atas, masih berbaju tidur belum mandi tapi begitu teruja untuk dapat reply dari Agnes, pen-pal from Shetland Isles.  " Eh..ini surat tawaran A'Levels dari Nene College, Yahoo ! ayah mana? cepat! cepat! tengok ni Amal  dapat sambung belajar ke Nene College." riuh satu rumah gembira dengan berita itu. Dua surat lain adalah surat tawaran biasiswa dari KPM dan surat Agnes.

Ayah seorang guru geografi memang suka menelaah atlas dunia. Ayah ada belikan satu set ensaiklopedia mengenai dunia. Adik beradik mereka memang hebat dalam general knowledge kerana suka membaca. Dengan segera ayah dapatkan atlas dan mencari lokasi Northampthon  dalam peta England. Ayah pun begitu teruja dan yakin Amalnina akan terus berjaya belajar di sana.

"Dalam TV tu college disana nampak seronok. Nanti Kak Amal boleh jumpa semua pen-pals. Hey..surat Agnes tu belum bacalah. " Rubiana  memecah keterujaan Ainina.

Agnes di Shetland Isles, Victoria di Scotland,  Ophelia di London dan Naomi  di Wales adalah pen-pals yang banyak memberi semangat push your limits untuk mengapai impian belajar di overseas. Cerita mereka mengenai kehebatan bandar moden di benua empat musim memang  membuat Amalnina teruja untuk  menuntut ilmu dan belajar berdikari di perantauan.

September 1979

Selepas program orientasi di SMK Alam Shah Cheras, Amalnina menerima geran belajar dan perlu menyediakan passport dan visa untuk berlepas ke England. Amal berkenalan dengan tiga gadis dan empat jejaka yang  sama-sama akan belajar di Northampton, bandar kecil di utara  London selatan Birmingham. Ayah merasa lega melepaskan anaknya pergi bersama kumpulan pelajar itu.

Kak Mawardina belajar di KL jadi mereka berdua selesaikan urusan passport ,visa, currency, tiket dalam masa dua minggu. Pada hari berlepas ibu dan ayah serta adik datang dari Kota Bharu untuk merestui penerbangan sulong Amalnina ke luar negara. "Jaga diri dan pandai-pandai menyesuai diri di tempat orang." ibu berpesan.

"Jangan lupa solat. Kenangkan ibu dan ayah kerana kami akan sentiasa mendoakan Amal disana" ayah pula berpesan. Amal tidak dapat menahan airmata lagi selepas peluk cium ibu, ayah, Kak Mawar dan Rubiana. Tetapi kerana cita-cita digagahi juga berjalan menuju ke terminal berlepas. Lambaian terakhir Amal nampak longlai tapi hatinya kental membawa harapan ibu dan ayah untuk berjuang demi kejayaan.

WORTHWHILE

Happiness finally is here......

sacrifice over my pride;
retiring from my noble job
leaving my prospectus post
discarding smart strategies
overcome  deadline paranoia

sacrifice over good partnership;
leaving good friends
missing the fun and laughter
sharing our fears and worries
motivating the mentees
planning our dreams

sacrifice over my shopaholic syndrome;
enough of expensive batik
or the bling-bling dresses
even my colorful gems jewellery
no more branded handbags
no need  for matching shoes anymore

sacrifice over my ego;
to be a proud housewife
which was neglected for years
to slave myself cooking balance meal
creating healthy diet and lifesyle

But i have found happiness
by simply doing nothing at home
and it is worthy my sacrifices

THE SCHOOL IS OVER

Time goes by quicker than you think
but you dont realize it until
you turn a corner and 30 years has passed
finally you are retiring from teaching!

Started my teaching career in Gua Musang
where students see you as an idol
the school library become so popular
hungry for knowledge  in chemistry
eager to know your adventures

transfer to Tanah Merah premiere school
huge inclusive the form six students
head the chemistry wing of six classes
teaching with skills as spm  marker
known as mama carrie their mentor

To the boys school  back in hometown
all my passion turn to patience
teaching the boys who just like to play
learn rules to discipline them
at one time i was mama bosan
But in sports they are the champion

Transfer inter state opened my eyes
that academic only was so boring
Johorean was talented in cultures
I became advisor for sports house
suddenly active in curricular activities
Momma Mia I really shine here...

leaving for Terenganu with a heavy heart
the PPSMI  brings me back to english
i became  teacher N the english teacher
joined the west wing the english speaking teachers
feeling posh like i was back in Zainab School
Orange club moments as i retrace old friends and hobbies

Entering the foyer of KD4, my heart jolted
Here is jenny  back to shine!
organise science fare and many many more
leadership tested as chief invigilator
pioneer in PBS; set the room, the props and trends
my career; post and DG upgrade

accomplished  my job well
promoted as PK to SMKSU Petaling Jaya
PBS bands trending to PT3 grade
exam become serious again par dialog prestasi
lost my teaching fun in paperworks
time consuming waiting for the online thing
managing teachers is nor easy either
works become so taxing and stressful
The SPA and VLE made me cringed
i am better off writing poems and  get published
time to curtsied thanks and bring down the curtains

I feel like having my last leg of the marathon
and on my birthday i will touch the line
wether i win a prize or not
i am glad i finished the line and never a loser
because i never quit my job
i have reached my goal of 30 years in service
just let me keep and cherished  the tittle cikgu aini.

habitat rich in flavors

fresh mint and crispy parsley that's kampung life

my childhood memories

enjoy outdoorsy games

learn about nature
endure the monsoon seasons
smell and sound of rain so soothing

early rise and shine for school

awaken by the cool water from the well

lazy days during weekends
  picking flowers for melor-chain in the garden

dashed to the river for a swim

flying kites in the paddy fields

ice cream flavor soft and creamy that's Taman Guru  life

start serious teenager life

a lot to study and excell

work hard to be role model
reading novel and wonder

watching TV and wishing
nothing wrong in daydream
as this will crystallise to a diamond
aim high for a bright future

going abroad is the goal

Spicy and tantalising that's oversea bedsitters life

where friends become family
experience shape into confident attitude
first in 30,connaught street uptown

venture in 8,st michael avenue by the park

lonely 88 claude road somewhere welsh

blissful 54 plantagenet street across the bridge

nottingham studio for honeymoon
life is complete with hubby, baby and degree

tutti fruity flavor

rent- on -the- move life

Gua Musang first posting to the outback

building a family in rural Tanah Merah

dormy taman sutera in the south

    when children left home to further studies  

 seri bayu lodge  by the sea

while work progress left me estranged

 lofty kota  damansara urban hub
blessed harvest season come rushing in

pick up the cultures of msia along the way

blend in modern lifestyles

chocolate and anything nutty 

 that's terrace house in saujana

its the nest name 21 tree-hill

a deserted  drive from Shah Alam

with view of hills , valleys and lakes

but cant avoid the congested road

as many residential homes are booming

a little luxury  to compensate the busy bees

a one stop center to my children

a place to chill after a hard day's work
ready for reception and banquet
welcoming in-laws and family gatherings

raisins and dried fruits thats 

the family home in Beris Jambu

old folk home after retirement
will retreat into gardening
smell and sight of plants are theraupetic

as  i gracefully wither and reflect calmness 

waiting for the grandchildren 

to come and cheer up during festive seasons

all family treasures and momentos  cherished

lifelong stories and experiences  retold

keeping up the legacy to my children

Wedding bells

Wedding bells in the family over and over

Colour themes evolved

Maroon for farhana's and fushsia for hisyam's

Turqoise color of opal for nuha

Purple shades of lavender for tasneem

Yellow goldie  for dhuha who love daffodils

My mind boggles again

What is the trendy color for amin
So a combination of green and pink

Apple green and pink cherry blossoms
for a fresh start in life

Next is booking a venue
At home, in a hall, garden or by the beach
Lets try a golf resort
spacious like a hall but cosy like at home
Cool surrounded by greenery

Caterer who caters food also dressings
Can set a buffet for the newlyweds
Or a dais for photo sessions
Create decorations to suit the theme
Go catch this special wedding planner

Listing the guests even tedious
Design a card leave it to amin
Need new ideas but must be approved
Doorgifts turn easy through the net
But scouting from shops will be more fun

Lace attire bought in Acheh
The linings and plain from Jakel
The glam aunties need matching dress
Also the siblings as maids of honour
Have to visit the dressmaker soon

Where to stay on that special day
In terengganu need lodgings
Here need homestay
To accomodate dear families
Its just like having a family day

MY BOYS

Boys never grow up
my first boy
always want a toy car 
till now he never miss any F1race
as spectators, but he wish 
he can be Schumaker

Boys never grow up
my second boy
collects all kind of fooball jerseys
till now he never miss watching
football matches at home
or with friends at mamakteria
once trapped at the stadium 
with the red warrior die hard fans

Boys never grow up
my youngest son
is so neat and clean freak
he grew up following rules
he has his very own way
sticked to his styles and stints
difficult to change
till now he is a k-pop fan
loves to sing, dance and
so contious with his appearance
I think he can be an artist
unique, creative  and indiffirent

a grandchild was born
a boy name Ali Eidan
what will he grew up to be
pampered him with books
so he can be a philosopher
like Al-Bukhari, Al Ghazali or
a scholar like Yusuf Ali

weddings: we were the brides

wedding rings and things

most importantly is the ring in any wedding

but i have a pendant and a cleopatra chain for my mahar

a flower shape embedded with tiny diamonds and blue stones

exclusive from a goldsmith in Nottingham

but our wedding was simple

a celebration among friends away from my family

with consent from ayoh and che

avoiding tradition and was insensitive at that time

being young and independent, rather impulsive 

my elder sister noral married according to tradition

from the majlis bertunang, akah nikah and makan beradab

being the eldest, everything was well planned and grand

what more the in-laws were  from the same village

Bibi's wedding was pomp in  Kelantanese-style

wedding rings and things like the hantaran

were second after the stated mas kahwin

we decorated the bed as the pelamin

and everyone were cramped into the bilik pengantin

the groom came from Pahang

so we had to prepare a homestay for the family.

for hantar menantu we convoy to Temerloh 

sufia followed my steps, married in texas

again with the consent from ayoh and che

both of them were so understanding

as long as the daughters are safe and happy

nazirah's wedding came by after a long lapse

the four of us were busy raising our children

the kenduri was lavish as she has her incomes

but still there is no pelamin

as ayah and che don't like to waste

but to give as kenduri kesyukuran

after retirement my parents renovate the house

special addition is the bilik pengantin 

the furnitures and carpet and curtains all new
ready to welcome majlis merisik and bertunang

one after another the room witness more weddings

 aliza, saniah, anita, syam and elly

i was getting more interested with the rings and things

getting involved in the traditional procedures

the dulangs must be odd filled with manisan and gifts
and the mas kahwin or barang kemas
sending-off the brides ties the bond between the families
to Kuala Trengganu, Kuala Kangsar and Besut

organising 7 'persandingan' in the family 

with only one menyambut menantu for era

we attended syam's persandingan in KL

considered the most special occasion in the family

during Elly's wedding she set-up a pelamin in the living

my oh my
 all the 'pengantin lama' also want to be on the dais

and that was the last wedding in Taman Guru
surely  its grandeur

TRIVIA

Who are the Kelantanese groom ?

Guess the family tradition we celebrate after a hard day's work.

metamorphosis in celebrating eidulfitri

first decade
not much memory
but i remembered a trip to BATA
at night with ayoh and che
looking for raya shoes
tried it every night before raya
such excitement!
we learnt to fast
in the evening we tagged behind ayoh for a stroll
as che was busy in the kitchen
at night we went for terawih
the best treat was rojak kuah kacang
joined the other kids playing mercun

second decade
we helped kakya with the raya cookies
she baked cupcakes and brownies so well
she can even prepare icing cake for b'day
our dress were customed made by kakmoh
once we had bell bottom with matching waist coat
the other year we even have peplum dress
we were threesome with same design but in different shades
walk round the village, even go on a bus ride to our friends' raya party
Raya in Taman Guru was not much fun
we love and miss the kampung -style raya
coming back from college for raya
we just chilled out with our younger sisters
we said raya is meant  for children only
but we look forward going to relatives' houses
as we like being treated as the blossoming teenager

third decade
kakya,kakni and kakna were married
balik kampung with our families
along, hisyam, ida, nuha, amin and saif
make our raya so meaningful
we exchanged ang pow
brought home cookies and gifts
acik su and che rah also started a new family
later on aisya, dee, dhuha, tasneem, nasuha,
hajar, hannan, alin and the 3 boys ing, epi and faris
the raya became more happening
and the nights were lively again with fireworks

fourth decade
we also celebrated rumah terbuka  at my house
more families from tante, seri, enda, uda and suli
ayoh renovated the house with 10 rooms
the home was full with love to our parents
and the laughter from the grandchildren
the y-generation mostly boys so boisterous
imran, akim, nu'man, amer, hanif, eisyraf, umair,
irfan, muaz, ammar, haziq, wafi, eqmal and ariq
and balik kampung was the best moments
eidulfitri is time to exchange cookies
showing off childrens also moms' attire
and  the colour theme keep changing every year
each family proudly snapped photos for momentos
the laman was fully parked with cars
and the lounge and living rooms turned bedroom
to occupy the growing family
the new girls azalea, hana, kyra, damia, sofea, betty
were like princess treated by the older cousins
nabilah, anis, husna, yati, alia, aimi, solehah, iman, najihah and sarah
moms were always occupied in the kitchen
making sure everyone has their meal
everyday we cooked together gotong royong

fifth decade
Now, our children are married
so the partners were coming to our family home
family of four farhana, fakri, firdaus and fahmi
came along hisyam and yana
nuha and shamril, tasneem and asim.
and we're expecting more grandchildren coming
though we have to face traffic hurdles
to and fro during festive seasons
but we are still faithful to be home
with che and ayoh for eidulfitri

pigeons and plums

work to live, but please
not live to work.

daddy works
twice a week commute from home to seremban
rent a small room there
and dinner is never cook

mommy works
left so early to avoid traffic jam
to a school in midst of PJ
coming home late and tired
manage to cook dinner for everyone

amin works
8 to 6 at I-city, Shah Alam
home is shelter for the nights
glad that weekend is for outdoor

naDya works
10 to 10 at Sunway Pyramids even on weekends
hardly why she is still looking for a partner
takes a break during weekday
no fun as everyone is working.

nasuha works
in a bank at Bukit Jalil
rent a room only come home on weekend
but always volunteer in any field project
once a while she turn up home

nusaibah works, her hubby works
one in Kota Bharu another one in Kuala Tahan
living lonely lifes but to serve others
don't even have a proper home yet since her marriage

ing plan to work
but mommy advice to further his studies
because work is so taxing
should be worth the pay

once you work you're stuck your whole life
until you decide to retire from work
then you have no more aim in life
but to enjoy the lost time for work

so we are like pigeons
who fly early in the morning
in search of food to survive
plums are the best food for pigeons

so turning pigeons
and bring home plums
are our little pleasure in life
and we sacrifice a lot more pleasure

mother's day

at 23 i became a mother
to a beautiful daughter Nusaibah
born in St David's Hospital, Wales
faraway from my mother
how i wish my mother was there
to help me on my ist day as a mother

at 52  my daughter is expecting a baby
in Nov she will be a mother
i hope i can be by her
to train her as a mother

Ironically she was posted a doctor to home town
grandparents welcome her with open arms
my mother of 10 who live with dear father
all her children transfered for careers' sake
my daughter's homecoming link me back home
to my mother that i always miss

so the legacy goes on
daughter and mother are always close
though children left home
leaving mother in her empty nest
but the bond is always there
the homing instinct never fails

i will always fly back to warm the nest
as seeing a mother make my heart at rest
mother's love is even more

to witness my ist grandchild
i will be by my daughter
and ease my mother
from all the hassle of maternity
again and again...

so on mother's day today
let the children ponder
how true is mother's love

save the fling

oh i slept like a rock
end the tour having a fever
sleep from dusk till dawn
toss over till the sun was high

after 10 wonderful days in new zealand
time to fly home sweet home
leaving Nuha for another week
before she will be leaving for good as well
save the flings with your friends
you might not see them again
in New Zealand like the days you shared
oh i hate good byes

Nuha send us to Palmerston airport
small but modern
another airflight to Auckland
In Auckland we were on our own
it was drizzling when we arrived
from the domestic arrival
to the international departure
we have to face the rain and the wind
aah! Auckland called City of  Sails

Auckland, an urban environment
where everyone lives within half an hour of beuatiful beaches
hiking trails and a dozen of enchanted holiday islands
the city stretches from one side of the country to the other
from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean
meaning you are never far from the water!

Nuha was on her way back to welly
reunited with friends for a farewell
we have to bade farewell to NZ as well
the custom checkup and waiting
and the postphoned flights
can't wait to be home