OnceThere was a quiet island,With a name.You must believe me When I say that sunlight, Impure but beautiful, Broke upon the bay, silveredThe unrepentant, burning moon.

~ Edwin Thumboo

Edwin Thumboo Edwin Thumboo Poem Poet Poetry Singapore Singapore Pioneer Poet Singapore Poet

Beneath it allI kept faith with Ithaca, travelled,Travelled and travelled,Suffering much, enjoying a little;Met strange people singingNew myths; made myths myself.But this lion of the seaSalt-maned, scaly, wondrous of tail,Touched with power, insistentOn this brief promontory...Puzzles.

~ Edwin Thumboo

Edwin Thumboo Edwin Thumboo Merlion Poem Poet Poetry Singapore Singapore Pioneer Poet Singapore Poet Ulysses