56 Years Later...

There are many things I can name about Malaysia

Things that I absolutely dislike

But let's not dwell into the negative

For growing up, I was taught to think positive

After spending years abroad

Picking up on some critical thinking

Expanding myself on more cultural understandings

Learning the ways behind painting and drawing

Not to mention the late nights in my room dwelling

At times I had mad mad cravings

Sometimes it'd be Pan Mee, others Wantan Mee

But instead all I had was Maggi Mee,

And packet drinks of my favorite "milk tea"

I sure paid a huge fee

On campus, the closest thing to home really

Were the Malaysians that surrounded me

Proclaiming, exclaiming, and disturbing our surroundings

Laughing out loud, speaking Manglish

Occasionally, we'd slip and the word "thambi"

Or was that just me? Prolly was just me.

Excuse me for I'll regress.

For this I must confess,

I have an innate love for durians..

Oh what I'd give for just another taste.

But anyway having spent 4 years of my life in the west,

I began to appreciate the abilities

That my country has bestowed upon me

For one, is my Chinese primary school education

That's where I learnt mandarin,

Jumping on the cantonese band wagon

Actually, it was from all the bullying

In the language that I didn't know

But that's not the thing...

Bahasa Melayu, 地方研究 (di fang yan jiu),

The trilingual subjects that they used in teaching

Made Malaysians truly one of a kind.

Before I move on to politics,

Somewhat of a sensitive topic...

For once I shall be blind

And talk instead of the fruits of our tropics.

Malaysia, you have molded me into the person I am today.
Your education system, albeit horrifyingly flawed in countless manners, have helped me with languages.
Your people, a wondrous melting pot, has taught me to learn, respect, and accept other cultures and beliefs within and without my country.
Your food, a tease to the eyes, orgasmic to the tastebuds
Your natural beauty, a hidden gem, still remains a mystery to those who those who seek discovery.
Once a strategic location in history, caused many a fight between east and west.
Once a promising country, development on the rise.
But now, you're fifty six in age, looking back on your life thus far, what have you accomplished?

Happy Merdeka Day.