Singapore, I'm back!
The long straight taxi ride -
Moonlit ocean, sonar pings
Hypnotic and sedate.
Swim languidly, elated,
Dew-bediamonded.
Waiters rush
To cover poolside tables.
A humid nest of offices
Overhanging Middle Road -
Jungle stench of durian,
Downpours of warm rain.
Long dreamed-of lunch...
The Szechuan Court's esteemed
Veg dumplings - glistening ginger,
Black vinegar dip -
Crispy fresh fish in orange sauce,
Dessert of red-bean pancake,
The usual chunky white teapot of green tea -
And - soft - the waitresses' embroidered silk -
Or will you come umbrella'd in the rain
To jostle through the steamy Hawkers' Market
With the rest of us,
For pork-fat soup and chicken feet?
We won't be offended
Whatever you choose.
