My Beloved.

I remember 

your smell.

I smell it

now.

When we watch TV,

I play with your unforgettable hands.

My little fingers trace the popped-up veins on your waxy skin;

I feel your heartbeat

that beats for your children and for me.

The jade bangle on your wrist,

you say,

changes colours with your moods.

It cools the tempest in you 

on bad days 

and

deepens to a curious green 

on better days.

Once outdoors, 

you beckon me

to clutch onto the edge of your blouse.

As we potter about town,

your keys that dangle by your pants jingle quietly.

First, 

to the hair salon for a quick wash.

Yes, 

please,

the classy old lady

       and the kid.

When you are not looking, 

my hands sneak into your purse

to pinch and pocket 

coins and candies.

Fresh-head and smelling of shampoo,

we dally to the supermarket

to lug home more Japanese biscuits, cheese sticks and jelly drinks.

Before we go,

I add to the cashier counter 

Aladdin pencils and notebooks.

Sitting amidst a cab full 

of shopping bags,

we share Harrod’s biscuits from a pretty tin can.

Dizzy and full,

I lay on your lap;

you chatter on with the taxi driver like a long lost friend.

In the sky blue lift,

I impress you playing Polka Marzuka on an invisible piano against the wall.

Once at our floor,

I sprint down the corridoor 

to impress again. 

You strolled towards me 

like a queen,

grinned and prized me with a thumb up in the air,

'Berry goot!

So cleb-ber!' 

Home now.

You unfailingly whip up a spread for dinner -

brewed soup, steamed fish, vegetables and always one specialty dish.

At the coffee table, we play games to help me eat more and quicker. 

Late night,

we catch the soap drama before

winding down on our cold, huge bed.

Tiredness has closed my eyes,

but 

I know you are still with me

as I trace the soft and warm veins

on your waxy skin.

Ten years

have gone on without you

but

for this lifetime,

my beloved,

you live in my

veins

and

wildest imaginations.

In heaven,

I'll smell you out

and when we meet,

we shall enjoy a

hair wash

and

 buy more biscuits at the supermarket.

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