Poem
The scent of every childhood night. The mosquito coil... glowing quietly beside the bed. Its smoke chased mosquitoes, and somehow, brought us sleep. ~ Singapore, My Memories Did your family use mosquito coils? What memories come back when you smell one today?
micro memoir
It was probably the most embarrassing moment of my life. My Toastmasters club nominated me to represent them in a national humorous speech contest. I had rehearsed my speech countless times. Standing before a sea of people, I felt confident. Then, midway through my speech, my mind went blank. I
micro memoir
He helped me. Now I help. The mosquito coil was fragile. So was I. Whenever my small fingers snapped it, my father would quietly take over. Today, I help him with things he can no longer do alone. The circle has turned.
Poem
Mother packed more than just food. The tiffin... three tiers of love from a mother's kitchen. Carried to school, to work, to a simpler time. ~ Singapore, My Memories What do you remember about tiffin carriers?
micro memoir
Every day I felt miserable at work. I literally dragged my feet to the office. My supervisor seemed determined to make life difficult for me and hoped I would quit. One day, my friend Billy Kueek reminded me that I had a choice. I could stay and remain miserable, or
micro memoir
During an in-camp training exercise as a reservist, my platoon commander suddenly ordered me to brief the men. The moment I opened my mouth, the soldiers laughed. I had a high-pitched voice and felt deeply embarrassed. At that moment, I wished the earth would open up and swallow
micro memoir
When I was studying at Playfair Primary School, I had to cross the road near the junction of Paya Lebar Road and Airport Road. One day, I stepped off the central divider without paying attention. A lorry whizzed past my face, inches from my nose. Had I taken one more
micro memoir
Every afternoon after school, our mongrel would wait behind the metal gate. The moment he heard my bicycle bell, he would jump up and wag his tail so hard his whole body seemed to bend with it. One rainy week, I came home and the gate was empty. I parked
micro memoir
When I was 16 and waiting for my O-Level results, I worked for a few months for my brother-in-law, who ran a small construction company. I drilled concrete floors until my whole body shook from the vibration. I used a grinder to smooth the edges of window
Satire
The elders always said, "Strive to become someone." Otherwise, you will be a nobody. After sixty years of trying to become someone, I finally became myself.
micro memoir
My cat loved to meow and rub her head against my leg. She was my constant companion. One day, my mother relocated her to a wet market three bus stops away. I thought I had lost her forever. Then one day, out of nowhere, I heard a familiar meow. It
micro memoir
My friend led me to the edge of a tall building. The only way down was to jump toward a pole jutting from the side and slide to the ground. If I missed my grip, I would plunge to my death and shatter like an egg on concrete. My legs
