Leong Liew Geok (b. 1947)
SELECTED POEMS
Without Ceremony
The bird I've brought home is an olive-backed
Female sunbird, cause of death unknown.With shovel and pitchfork
I dig to crumble earth to a V
Shaped pit while my toddler
Struts in stiletto heels,
Death paraded on her palm.She lays her down to touch
The ground with yellow breast
Soon to be soiled by rain
Or the avalanche of earth
Pressing the rest.The beating shovel sends
My older daughter running
For the compost: dried grass
In both hands, she comes
To cover and soften the loss.
by Leong Liew Geok
from Love Is Not Enough (1991)
