'Keepsakes'

I am from paperclips,

from things which I use but don't endorse, and loss; always loss.
I am from sloth and gravity; and I believe - ultimately from the two: tranquility

(like dew on a blade of grass,

glistening in the morning).
I am from the bougainvillea inflorescence,

and tall fir trees;

which make up my aunt's garden.

I am from gossip and competition,

from Wong and Tang.
I am from the parents who brag about their children

and distance amongst siblings,
from one's path and life is laid out; predestined.

And no matter how much you earn: eat proper.
I am from a Bible more often closed;

and Thanks not given enough.

I'm from Aulong; where we have fireworks to celebrate auspiciousness,

rice: fluffy and hot, and mother's cooking (never, never enough).
From the panadols which cured all my great-uncle's illnesses,

and my father who fell a few stories, but lived...
In an album, a few years old;

not many pictures were in it - and only one was my father's

I wrote in liquid paper on the cover,

'The Good Old Days',

I was young, and the only;

but never was I alone;

they gave me the place to share; where I'm from.

Thought of the day: "If you don't know where you're from, you'll have a hard time saying where you're going."

(" , )

[Thanks YZ, for the suggestions.]