A LITTLE RECOLLECTION ABOUT MY CHILDHOOD-POETRY

Where were you born?

In a place called hospital at Jalan Kuda, Medan. I spent my childhood at Jalan Teuku Umar, Indonesia.

I remember the first school I went to was in a small half wooden and wire wall classroom with cement floor. Yes, it was a small classroom in the small town. It was very exciting really - the classroom keeping the sun off, and a female teacher teaching me. Very exciting and I was very happy there.

Do you remember the sorts of games you played as a child?

I remember one game, hopscotch, jumping on one foot from square to square, with any beads or items that you hold in your hand and throw it in one square. If you loose one round, your friend will take over the turn alternatively. The one who finish the game first will be the winner.

What did you think of Singapore when you first arrived?

I thought it was terrible. It was like living under an inverted bowl of grey. It was the opposite of living in my comfort zone. Every flat door is closed, every body is very individualistic, and every thing is fast moving pace. I had a culture shock.

After all the colors of Singapore...

Oh, now I am like one of Singaporeans, my flat door is closed, I am private in some ways, and I do things very fast also. Singapore is a unique vibrant city, one of the world's leading commercial hubs, with the fourth-biggest financial centre and one of the five busiest ports. It ranks high in international ranking of education, healthcare, government transparency, and economic competitiveness.

After all the colors of Indonesia...

Oh, the most place I vow that I miss and love my home country no matter what happen. Although the way I think is like the western culture, learn from how Singaporeans. However my heart is still the eastern culture. If orang bule would want to test me, my response is terse to the point of being defensive. Because di sana tempat lahir beta...

Can you remember writing your first poem?

It was when I had a crush with somebody whom I hardly remember in my childhood years and when I saw my genius brother compiled his poetry sheets to a book. I was challenged! And here I am now a blogger.