For Ah Gong

Will tears be shed
As I lie upon the white satin sea?
Will remembrance be kept
When words obscure memory?
Will my days be coloured
In hues fond and gay?
Will regret and shame
Bleed them to grey?
Who will whisper softly
Love resonant with my name?
Whose heart will ache
For one touch of my mortal frame?

It’s strange
Only in our passing
That we can truly ever see;
But if you wish
You can cry;
You may mourn for me.

Will you still remember
As I stride into sweet hereafter?
Will my voice be lost
Amid echoes of hollow laughter?
Will you see me stricken
Suffering at sickness’ hands?
Will I be rendered golden
In time’s passing sands?
Who will clap and cheer
And applaud my final bow?
Who will wake to my presence
After the tables are kept, even now?

On Sunday, 4 September 2005, my maternal grandfather passed away.

Thank you Ah Gong for teaching me to play poker and gin rummy and for fanning my interest in football.

Thank you simply for being around.