O Ludu Daw Ahmar (Ode on Her Birthday)

Daw Ahmar is our mother
She has led Burma in journalism and literature
By writing the truth, facts and leaders
To let people adhere to Burmese culture
We’re really grateful to her.

She has been the editor of the “Ludu”
A progressive newspaper for people
From which it took its name
It represented the mass as it claimed
It has enormous fame and authority
It led the people in the struggle for democracy.

I once went to see “Ahmay”
To get permission to use her essay
On leprosy eradication and public health
In the first Branch Medical Faculty magazine Mandalay
She willingly helped, I must say
It was in 1959 early days.

She wrote a book on Burmese dancers
Artistes, musicians, jokers and jugglers
It won a national literary award
It set a standard
She translated work of Maurice Collis
“Sanda Marlar” is her masterpiece
“I appreciate it”, so he speaks.

She also wrote on Burmese culture
“Ahmay Shay Sagar” et cetera
She also writes in current magazines
People held them in high esteem
She is now the doyen of Burmese literature
I wish to draw a caricature.

She was a university boycotter
An avant-garde literary worker
A progressive journalist and author
A dedicated wife, a devout mother and gaily grandma
She is the GOW of Burmese literature
She is the keeper and guardian of Burmese culture.

She is 92 years old today
She looks pale and frail
But, her heart is healthy
Her brain is brainy
Her stamina is steely
She dedicates herself to the people
Let she live to the full
A century of life healthily
Let us pray for her sincerely
“Hooray, Ahmay you are so lovely
May you live long luxuriously?”

Dr Maung Maung Nyo
15.11.2007

At Wollongong

(As part of An Australian Odyssey)


One day, we drove to Wollongong
A small University town as Oxford
Where Yupar and Ei graduated forth
They got credits, distinction and honour both.


Old memories came back vividly
We sent Yupar and Ei timidly
Lest they fell prey to liberality
But they studied seriously and fiercely
They came out nicely and we’re happy.


We went to Nan Ting Buddhist temple
Where Chinese and others assemble
To worship Kwan Yin and Buddha’s resembles
People kowtow, meditate and donate without shamble.


Nan Ting Temple is big and beautiful
Perched on a hillock in full view
Of Wollongong and its environs
One can see far into the horizon.


Then, we drove to Wollongong beach
Where every one tries to reach
To see sea gulls swirling over ships
We watched with wonder and wished
We have a pleasant trip.

We then joined a veterans club
Thronged with military brass
We rubbed shoulders with them en mass
It’s the centre of town or hub.

It was a buffet dinner
After paying some dollar
Eat as you like without hinder
Steak, Satay, Sushi and so many others
English, Japanese, Chinese and Australia’s
We ate all kinds of food to our heart’s desire.

We drove back from Wollongong at night
Speaking, singing and swooning at height
With belly and brain all tight
We might enjoy as we like.

Dr Maung Maung Nyo
8.11.2007

An Australian Odyssey

I always enjoy October
When lanterns are lit in splendor
To celebrate the end of lent in Burma
We pay respects to parents, elders and teachers
They give us good wishes, money and food among others.

I miss this Burmese custom from here
I have not been back for several years
I’m working in Malaysia for my tether
I cannot live on my pension so meager
Our life in Burma has been severe.

Now that our daughters are earning
They sent us air tickets yearning
For us to be coming
We could not avoid their planning
So, we arrived in Sydney one September morning.

It was spring in Australia
Flowers are blooming every where
Food and fruits are aplenty there
We eat. drink and dine where ever
We feel like doing it whenever
It was real pleasure.

One day we went to Canberra
Where Saya Johnny was there
He entertained us to a sumptuous dinner
We ate and bade farewell later
We became greater and heavier
We were full of food and carriers.
I have three packets of poetry for pleasure.

One evening our daughters took us
To dine at a Burmese restaurant near a circus
Rather a place of many people mixed up
Food was genuine Burmese first class
We ate and ate and could not get up!

We flew to Brisbane by Virgin
It was exciting like a pilgrim
Every thing was shining in the sun beam
I thought I was in Pagan region
It was all tropics in the horizon.

We shopped in the DFO store
Where money can buy more
No over charge and every thing sold
At discount prices and factory mould
Every body was in a buying spree, so!

We put up in a motel
It was like a three star hotel
Even a swimming pool was at our disposal
We felt happy and local
We did not feel oriental.

We breakfasted in the motel
Sometimes in the restaurant of locals
Chinese, Kentucky Fried and McDonald
Every thing was special
We ate and felt celestial.

We drove to Gold Coast
Eating on the way chicken roast
Speaking, singing and swinging on toast
We really enjoyed the most
It was really extraordinary hosts.

Warner Brother Movie World is crowded
It is to be lauded
All movie settings are built in replica
It was really a wonder.

We watched Shrek in four D
We could see, hear and feel
Every thing was free
Including the seat, spectacles and scents
It was really time well spent.

We can mix with characters of films
Like Batman, Shrek and Marilyn
There are memorabilia plenty
You can buy or photograph freely
We saw so many people in glee.

Children can ride roller coaster
Train and vertical drop for pleasure
Adults are also allowed every where
It’s your mind that matters
You may be not older than that clatters.

We ate hot dog
We always walk
We have no time to blog
But we talked
We’re a happy lot.

We walked on the Brisbane sand
It was a smooth land
It was a breezy bend
Amenities and food were at hand
Every one became friend.

We went to Burmese monastery
The abbot was giving a sermon for the piety
We joined and donated money
Every body was handy
Dr Thein Htut came and helped me.

Dr Tint Way gave me a dinner
It was in Paramatta clinger
Food was good and winner
It was owned by a Punjabi schemer
It was indeed a Hindu simmer.

I have been to Sydney Opera House
It is Australian singing aloud
It was an icon all Australians are proud
We have been in and out
We can never forget about.

There is also Sydney Harbour Bridge
It can never eclipse
It’s a beauty in sunlit or sun drift
It’s always shining and big
It’s really iconic.

Hay Market and Chinese bazaar
You can walk and wonder
You can buy or meander
No one can be better
It’s really an adventure.

There’s a fish and chip shop
Near our home bus stop
We always sought for a spot
To eat and dine while we talk
It’s really a resort.

When we walked away from it
There are many food shops splendid
Chinese, Indian and Malaysian dishes
Italian, Greek. English and Irish
Oh, I feel always salivating and nostalgic.

Sometimes Nan cooked at leisure
She fried fish and lobsters
Every thing was in order
Every one ate all together
We enjoyed food for ever..

Friends called me on phone
While I was away from home
To invite me to hone
My appetite and to moan Burma
That’s in our heart for ever.

Days went by and month past
We have to fly fast
To reach Kuching where we start
It was a holiday at first
Now it’s an odyssey at long last.

Dr Maung Maung Nyo
6.11.2007

Passing by the "Waste Land" II

Passing by the "Waste Land"(poem)II

Eliot speaks about rats
He depicts them as pets
He must be fond of rats
Otherwise he might not have chatted.

" A rat crept softly through the vegetation
Dragging its slimy belly on the bank
While I was fishing in the dull canal
On a winter evening round behind the gashouse…"
"Rattled by the rat's foot only, year to year
But from my back from time to time I hear " etc.

I have read about rats in poetry
The best in the "Piped Piper of Hamelin"
In order that people could stay in health and harmony
The piper led rats to death and destruction

I heard about some rats
Running away from a sinking ship wreck
To reach a safe haven or nest
Forgetting all they have left.

Over times some rats become heavier
Some become wealthier
Some may have power here and there
But still, rats are rats for ever.

Can a land be free of rat?
It's a necessary pest
It has survived millions of years
It may still do so in the future.

Dr Maung Maung Nyo
Original 10.9.2007

Passing by the "Waste Land"

Passing by the "Waste Land"

I passed by th waste land
It has been messed by many a hand
If one has to mend
One has to fend through legends.

Eliot writes," April is the cruelest month, bleeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire stirring
Dull roots with spring, rain".

In modern days, the Waste land is brewing
Both day and night, in summer, fall and spring
So many events and incidents are unfolding
What truth is showing.

"What are the roots that clutch, what branches grow
Out of this stony rubbish? Son of man,
You cannot say or guess, for you know only
A heap of broken images, where the sun beats."

Yes, every thing is a mystery in the waste land
Every one is a fiend
Some pretend to be a friend
But, he is blood sucker in the end.

A chieftain howls against a nation
He accused it of possessing means of destruction
He invaded it without warning or mercy
Killing, maiming and destroying life and property.

His followers praised him
Dissidents are branded traitor
Even though no weapon was found in the small nation
And he does not have any experience of war!

The waste land is crowded with people
They love to be reflected with its hue
Black, yellow and brown compete withe white
To have a place in the limelight.

No doubt there is gold in the sand
But, all that glitters is not gold
Many are goblins, imps and fiends
Waiting upon others to seize their souls.

Many call by their nicknames
"Devil, Dainty, Dick, Kitty", etc without shame
They are reliving in the kindergarten
Bad habits die hard in children.

Some have school boys' habit till today
They commit together many foul plays
They rejoice together their spoils always
They would even go to hell together anyway.

Do not tell a fact they don't like
They are ready to fight
If it is right against one of their pack
They are fond of such smack and sex!

"Here is no water but only rock
Rock and no water and the sandy road
The road winding above among the mountains
Which are mountains of rock without water..."

T.S. Eliot was a great man
He saw many things in a scan
We don't see as much
But, we know we're in the mud.

"And no rock
If there were rock
And also water
And water
A spring
A pool among the rock..."

If there is water
Frogs and toad will gather
They will croak and clamour
For their life and leisure for ever.

Some toads have shed their skin
They have left their sheen
But they still like to pose as patriot
They think they can hoodwink the Eliot.

The Lonely Floater (Twe Yar Me)

The Lonely Floater
(Twe Yar Me)

(1) I have no more strength or stamina
She has no more attachment for me either
All her love has evaporated for ever.

(2) I can no longer wear her on my head
She has nothing for me left
All her kindness and pity has evaporated.

(3) Like in the green emerald lake
Where lotus flowers blossom great
Fallen lotus petal shed in shade
It floats in all direction the water makes
It has no more life to rejuvenate.

Maung Wun (Min Thu Wun)
Ganhta Lawka Magazine (The World of Books)
BE 1296
Translation Dr Maung Maung Nyo
4.9.2007

I Long for It (Kyun Taunt Ta)

I Long for It
(Kyun Taunt Ta)

(1) O' Lord, My Master, My Lover!
You have a face full of cheer I wonder
I always wish to look at it and remember
I long for it to meet with you in an encounter.

(2) O' My Lord, My Dear Sweetheart!
Your speech is sweet and sumptuous
I always wish to hear it continuous
I long for it my dear, incessant.

(3) O' My Lord, My Dear Lover!
Your handwritten words resemble flowers
They smile and shine on the silvery paper
I long for it to read with pleasure, my dear!

Khin Saw Mu
Ganhta Law Ka Magazine (The World of Books)
BE 1296 Thadinkyut La
Translation Dr Maung Maung Nyo
4.9.2007

After Your Demise (Thin Thay Thwar Thaw)

After Your Demise
(Thin Thay Thwar Thaw)

Oh, This is a world of humans
Who would grow, age and die
It's the law of Karma and Man
Every one has to live and resign!

So, my friend, you have to die one day
You don't have anything to say
But, after your death, your native land
That fed you should be left in better hand.

Your mother tongue and literature
Should be improved greater and better.

Where you pay homage and share merit
That pretty pagoda should be lit
Its golden hue and honour
Shine shimmering in splendour!

Zaw Gyi in O'way Magazine, December 1935
Translation Dr Maung Maung Nyo
30.08.2007

Enjoying Life in equatorial Kuching

The Identity

The Identity

What is an “identity”?
I don’t know for certainty
When people lost their country
They also lost their identity.

When I was in London
I met one Kaung Zan
He came from Shwe Bo
It was several years ago;
He spoke Queen’s English
He dressed and behaved like British
He ridiculed us as smell of “Ngapi’s”
He looked more British than British!

But, he always stayed with us
Even going to movies and circus
He was always treated as one of us
By British whatever he pretended thus.

In USA, I noticed Chinese with Chinese
Vietnamese mixed with Vietnamese
Burmese Indians and Chinese frolicked with Burmese
They have found a common breed.

I met a Burmese doctor in Malaysia
He never says he comes from Burma
He is ashamed of poor Burmese workers
But he holds Burmese passport as shelter.

I also hold the Burmese passport
I pay double taxation I like to report
Nay, “triple” as I also pay in Burma
For a little abode I possess there;
People ask me, ” Where will you live from here?”
I say,” I would live in Burma”
‘But, it’s an inferno!”, they exclaimed
“No worries, it’s my motherland,” I claimed.

What is an “identity?
I don’t know for certainty
But, it’s a pity
If one has lost that identity.

Dr Maung Maung Nyo
Original (2.8.2007)

I Am 68 (Dr Maung Maung Nyo)

I Am 68 (Dr Maung Maung Nyo)

I was born on July 21, 1939
It was in good British time
My parent lived in style
They travel, they buy and dine.

My birth place was Monywa
A busy town in Upper Burma
Education was revered there
Politics and patriotism flourished together.

Monywa has a tradition of elders
Many great men were born there
Let Wel Nawrahta of King Alaungphaya era
Seinda Kyaw Thu and Maha Bandoola et cetera.

Yes, Kyansittha was also born in Pareinma
Now a small village west of Chindwin River
Old pagodas, inscriptions and landmarks still persist
Monywa has produced many generals and academics.

Ledi Sayadaw was brilliant
Ledi Pandita U Maung Gyi was his dependent
Thein Pe Myint was also prominent
I’m a follower and their student.

I have schooled in Monywa
Number 1 State High School was my alma mater
Then, I went to Mandalay to fare better
I attended the premedical class there.

I attended the Rangoon University
Mandalay Hall was my residency
I was happy and reached maturity
I never forget its fraternity.

I trained in Medicine as a speciality
Both in Mandalay and Rangoon faculties
My performance was satisfactory
I graduated one year after 1960.

I have been in the army
I saw many diseases plenty
I tried hard to be trendy
I intended to go for further study.
I was chosen for a Ph.D.
I went to England very early
I did research in neuroanatomy
I was awarded the degree eventually.

I returned from England
With a Ph.D. (London)
It was the beginning of my curriculum vitae
I did my best in every way.

I also studied in USA
For medical education in modern way
“Americans are different”, I would say
They are innovative as always.

I have taught, researched and wrote
For the people of my abode
So that they would cope
With modern way of living, I hope.

I have served my country for 37 years
Out of love for my brethren, it’s clear
Burma and her people are still dear to me
I would do so again if the need be.

I am 68 years old today
My friends congratulated me and hailed
They say, “Happy Birthday”
They cheer me all the way.

My daughters call me from far away,
“Happy Birthday, Pe Pe”, they say
”Many more to come! Darling Ye”,
It is from the heart of their May May.

What more a man can wish
Every thing you need is accomplished
You have lived a useful life
You should really be delighted.

A man is born in a day
He just lives to play
On a certain day he will also die
He is just marking time.

Dr Maung Maung Nyo (21.7.2007)

19th July 1947

19th July 1947
(19.7.47)

Inside the golden Burma
An internal event occurred
Due to crooked, crazy and cunning plotters
(Oh, Bogyoke) You died in shallow water.

On scrutinizing the cause of killing instance
It was within a year after Japanese resistance
We are clandestinely marching for independence
We are working en masse for deliverance.

How wild the impure bred are!
Cruel and cunning were their agenda
They murdered hero and helpers
For them to enter rapidly Nat-Pyi (Deva-Plane)
All the dead were honorable heroic Saki
We pray for more to be.

I explained what have happened
Time has passed and event dampened
It occurred on 19th July 1947
On repeated scrutiny, I found then
My memory goes right inside the liver organ
It’s never to be forgotten.

Myawaddy Ye Goung
(Independence Struggle Medal First Class)
July 1959

Translation Dr Maung Maung Nyo
17.7.2007
(From U Khin Aung”s Who killed Aung San ? in Burmese,2004)

How Do We Love Thee, Bogyoke?

How Do We Love Thee, Bogyoke?

"How do I love thee
Let me count the ways (wee)"
That's how Browning began her poetry
I also like to say that way in this rhapsody.

Bogyoke, you died on 19th July
But, you never die in our memory file
You still shine in our thought
Guiding us in every thing we sought.

You showed us to be honest
You urged us to try our best
To work everything ourselves lest
We would be left behind.

You did not pretend to be wise
But, every one knew you're nice
You liked us to be well socially
You exhorted us to be good morally.

Bogyoke, you sacrificed for us
You’re equal to any hero of the earth
Washington, Lincoln, Nehru and Rizal plus
You surpassed them with your sacrifices thus.

You were a student leader
Were they, the world leaders?
You fought the Imperialist and Fascists one after another
Did the world leaders fight similar wars?

You had lived a simple life
Did the world leaders live like that?
You left behind a family as sacrifice
Did the world leaders have such a tragic life?

You surpassed all of them in glory
Let this be known to our progeny
It should be recorded in history
Bogyoke, how do we love thee?

Dr Maung Maung Nyo
16.7.2007
(In Commemoration of the Martyrs' Day, 19th July)

The Unforgettable 19th July

The Unforgettable 19th July

19th July is a day
I can’t forget any way
It was in nineteen forty seven
Bogyoke was murdered with his men.

They were murdered mercilessly
When they were in session helplessly
They were sitting ducks really
Murderers killed them gleefully.

They had plan for independence
That would be regained soon hence
There were schemes for good governance
That would uplift the people by deliverance.

Burma regained independence at a later date
On 4th of January nineteen forty eight
Its image became greater
As we enjoy the fruit of Bogyoke’s labour.

But, civil war soon broke out
Unsatisfied angry people shouted aloud
Democracy could not be brought about
A welfare state was also out.

Opportunists were waiting in the wing
Its chieftain was General Ne Win
He staged a coup from within
That prompted infightings for power grabbing.

Bo Ne Win misruled the country
He misappropriated its money
People were seething with poverty
But he lived luxuriously.

In 1988 a bright moment occurred
When people protested with fervour
Against misrule and military power
But, it was crushed with bullets and bazookas.

Yes, the army overran the protesters
They unleashed the rabid soldiers
They over-powered the opposition
Thus, four eights demonstration ended in dissolution.
Now, the people are poorer than ever
Many are scattered all over the world
They are still proactive workers
Many are still seething with anger.

Some blame independence
For bringing them to this sequence
Stating independence created all problems
It led the country to unending mayhems.

But, it’s not to blame
A lot of people have gained
In education, culture, economy and fame
”We are citizens of a free country”, they can claim.

Yes, present problems are man-made
By power maniacs
Desperate to cling to power infinitely
They want to inherit it even to their progenies.

If Bogyoke were alive today
He would be dismayed
He would fight unwholesome ways
He would lead us from astray.

Oh” I miss Bogyoke Aung San
He was the most wholesome
He had become a symbol of hope
Only his daughter can brighten our scope..

19th July is a day
I can’t forget any way
It was in nineteen forty seven
Bogyoke was murdered with his men.

Dr Maung Maung Nyo
12.7.2007

The Glorious Mandalay Hall (Gon Yaung Pyaung De Mandalay Saung)

The Glorious Mandalay Hall
(Gon Yaung Pyaung De Mandalay Saung)

Not little by any standard
The Mandalay Hall has started so
It was established in 1954
It has produced so many heroes
Invincible and patriotic galore
They have served many state’s roles
It’s a brand new hall also
It’s proud to have produced so many patriotic heroes.

This is auspicious time for our country
It’s Diamond Jubilee for Rangoon University
Its students have led the country in continuity
For anti-colonial and anti-Fascist parties
They also take part in cultural and social activities
Like the intrepid and incomparable Maha Bandoola
Our Bogyoke Aung San has led Burma
For Independence and country’s welfare
We’re proud to be alumni of RU, our alma mater.

Let the new generations of RU students
Progress in all movements
We hand over our duties without resent
To dispense from our shoulders
As from elder to younger brothers
With love, loyalty and good will
We dedicate for your enjoyment and thrill.

It’s the pride of Mandalay Hall
Saya Nyein has led football
Incomparable in the history of the halls
We have won the trophies and all
It’s great to recall!

We’re successful in literature, arts and movies
Collegian ne win shone in film industries
He is famous throughout the country
It’s great to enjoy joyously
Mandalay hall is glorious really.

“To increase your longevity in years
Go and live in Mandalay with brownish water “
It was the saying of the elders
Thus Mandalay was born in Upper Burma
Full of prophesies and predictions of professors astrologers
Yadanabone is another name for Mandalay city
It’s the last abode of Kon Baung Dynasty
We miss its glory and honour its history
It’s thus great to name Mandalay Hall in celebrity.

Not little by any standard
The Mandalay Hall has started so
Was established in 1954
It has produced so many heroes
Invincible and patriotic galore
They have served many state’s roles
It’s a brand new hall also
It’s proud to have produced so many patriotic heroes.


Dr Maung Maung Nyo
9.7.2007
(Translation of own song composed on 3.11.1995)

7th July, the Day of Mourning

7th July, the Day of Mourning

I cannot forget 7th July
However much I try
Too much sorrow lies
For all to cry.

Rangoon University is a cradle of democracy
Anti-colonial movement began its infancy
In this university since 1920
Successive students strikes succeeded.
This tradition goes on in the University
With Nu’s, Aung San's and Ba Hein's in continuity
Leading the students in time for any calamity
Hoisting the peacock flag high and visibly.

On 7th July 1962
Students were demanding their rights for review
Suddenly gunshots were fired pointblank through
To the students who were demonstrating unarmed
With sinister aim of death, wounding and harm.

Many students fell dead
Some students fled helter-skelter
But G 3's and Carbines followed thereafter
They hit, maimed and slaughtered the runners
Blood overflowed like rivers
Roads and campus ground were rendered red
it was a day to mourn for the dead.

45 years have passed
But, I cannot forget the past
As regards the 7th July
I still cry for the loss of lives
That General Ne Win had taken it as sacrifice
For his ignominious BSPP socialist stride.

History has taught us
Students will pass all entails
That the righteous will prevail
They have blazed the trail
We will prevail
We shall prevail!

Dr Maung Maung Nyo
7th July 2007

Father and Daughter

Father and Daughter

I read "A lotus in the mud" poem today
Nini Zaw had portrayed "father and daughter" together
They not only look similar in physical features
But also in the situations each faced for dear Burma.

Father looks stern and determined
Daughter is sweet and sublime
But, determined and defined too
She cares for the people.

Father opposed the British
He fought the Japanese Fascists
He vanquished the Burmese extremists
A Union of Burma was thus established.

Daughter was selected by the people
To lead them for democracy and human rights too
She shouldered her duty full
She sacrificed her life, hubby and hues.

Father died in ninety forty seven
Things have not changed since then
Tyrants and militarists rule the land
People languished in prisons and in their hands.

A major revolution occurred in eighty eight
People fought for democracy for people's sake
Daughter was made their leader
She has been leading them for their honour.

She has been attacked and detained
"To tame her and defend her", they claimed
but they are afraid of even her name
Their mean act sent them to shame
People disdain them, loathe them
People want to send them to hell mayhem.

She is still held lonely
They think she would surrender easily
They err heftily
She is "her father' daughter" already
We must demand for her liberty
We wish her to be free and healthy!

Dr Maung Maung Nyo
19.6.2007
In Commemoration of Daw ASSK's Birthday today

A Lotus in the Mud (noon hte hma kyar)

A Lotus in the Mud
(noon hte hma kyar)

The night is dark
The land is parched
The grass is dry
Many people cry.

"We are hungry
We are thirsty
Please feed us
Please give us water".

We get the smell of food
No one share with us
We hear the sound of water
No one pour into our cups.

Then, we hear a song
Calling us to throng
To rush to a nearby pond
"You all will be fed anon."

We rush to th pond quickly
We find food and water plenty
We eat and drink happily
We look for the singer eagerly.

There was none to be seen
No indication of a human being
Only a lotus was seen
It's in the mud blooming.

Its colour is lily white
It's standing upright
Bulls and buffaloes may fight
Gales and storms may glide
She does not sway left or right
She stays upright.

She is the symbol of righteousness
She is pointing to the path correct
She is full of vigour and frgarance
She will lead us to second independence.

Dr Maung Maung Nyo (18.6.2007)
for Daw ASSK's 62nd Birthday (19.6.2007)

“My father” as Seen by Others

“My father” as Seen by Others

“My father” is a martyr
He gave his life for Burma
People still remember him
They regard him as ‘king”.

Kodaw Hmaing called him “king”
He took his disciple as kith and kin
He compared him to great kings of Burma
He mourned deeply when he was murdered.

U Nu called him “a great leader”
Courageous, decisive and selfless than others
Other people praised him further
Many called him “Pha Khin Bogyoke” or our father.

Dagon Taryar dubbed him,”untamed”
It does not mean uncultured or “untrained”
Just that he disdained artificial ornamentations
Like unnecessary doting, decorations, and deliberations.

U Saw called him, “a neophyte”
“I don’t like him, I’ll fight,
Further he slighted me by ambush
Who I’m, what I’m”, I’ll prove”.

That vengeance led to murder
U Saw was wrong in this matter
Other people committed the ambush
Ne Win’s stooges did it in “yebaw’s boots”.

Ne win said, “He was a “green horn”,
He did not know Burma to rule how,
He was a thorn in my life:
Now, follow me as your leader and guide”.

Burma sank with Ne Win
People compared with him
They brought down Ne Win
But Ne Win’s men still reign.

People chant my father’s name
To encourage people to claim
Democracy and human rights to gain
They send SPDC to shame.

Aung San is his name
He did not seek fame
He disclaimed wealth either
He remained a true leader and soldier.

He is my father
He is your father too
He knew he‘s his father also
We know he is our father, leader of all of Burma.

Dr Maung Maung Nyo (15.06.2007)
(Dedicated to Father’s Day on 17.6.2007 and
Martyr’ Day on 19.7.2007)

Invictus (Ah Naing Ma Khan)

INVICTUS

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

--William Ernest Henley
(August 23, 1849 – July 11, 1903) was an English poet, critic and editor.

The Pyinma Stump (Pyinma Ngote Toh)

The Pyinma* Stump
(Pyinma Ngote Toh)

Gnarled, grotesque and vulture like
Old Pyinma stump assumes an ugly sight
It stands alone on the mound height.

Its branching point has an old hole
Scab around it has hardened and old
It was eaten by white ants galore.

Near the mound bank the soil is parched
A soldier's helmet and a dry cloth dummy perched
It points to a military camp.

This old Pyinma stump
Has endured wars and white ants
Suffered sword-cuts and sun-burns
Storms could not turn it bowed
When summer comes along…
Old leaves fall down for new leaves
It assumes a new look in the breeze
Wow! Thou art a hero to me.

* Pyinma is a big tropical tree like an oak tree in Europe.

Minthuwun
(11.1.1949)
Translation Dr Maung Maung Nyo
(13.6.2007)

My Father

My Father

He was short and slender
He spoke bluntly with swears
His clothes were worn with dirt
But, he won the people's heart.

He spoke simply
He ate nimbly
His abode was dinghy
But, people had hope in him.

He had courage and grit
He led the fight against Fascists
He opposed the British imperialists
He insisted only for Burmese independence.

He had no personal enemy
He dined with people of enmity
He even took U Saw to British authority
He talked with Atlee for independence.

He was loved by the people of Burma
He was lionized by his followers
He was respected by the British colonizers
But, he was murdered by the traitors.

He was my father, short and stern
He wore old clothes and darns
He lived in a barn
But, all power trappings he shunned.

He said he would quit politics
When Burma was free from the British
He would write with ethics
He would establish a democratic Burma.

But, Alas! He was assassinated by U Saw
Why U Saw did that for his fall? Can any one tell us all?

I have lost my father, he has lost a father
You all have lost father, it's a nation's loss for ever!

Dr Maung Maung Nyo (7.6.2007)
In commemoration of Father's Day on June 17th 2007

The Martyr’s Mausoleum (Ar-Zar-Ni Beikman)

The Martyr’s Mausoleum
(Ar-Zar-Ni Beikman)
(Laycho or 4-fold poem by Thakhin Kodaw Hmaing)

Aw! So many halls, chambers and magnificent mansions
That decorates the palace in extravagant fashion
The victory has not yet been announced in proclamation
The southern Jabudipa’s Burma is full of pretensions
Aung San’s killing may have such dimensions
Ten thousand Burma should have funeral procession
I like to drape his coffin with peacock flag in cremation.

He was my close disciple
I can’t pretend my grief is controllable
I can’t help, it’s very deplorable
It reminds us of southern Jabudipa’ Pagan chronicles
King Kyansit’s grandson, great Alongsithu, was ablea
He was attacked by less honourable persons
That resulted in blood shed and dead men
As swords and spears flied in the mayhem
Similarly it happened in the dynasty of Ava kings
King Thar-Lun’ throne was attempted from within
None other than his son Shin Ta-Yoke, the crown prince,
He was almost successful in taking the reign
But, Buddhist monks came to the rescue of the great king
Shin Ta-Yoke was defeated and imprisoned for later killing
Similar episode occurred during king Min-Ye Yandameik’ era
Who was attacked by his own brother, Lord of Prome, the usurper?
But, he was not successful either;
If you wish to take lesson further
So many palace conspiracies occurred
In Talaing (Mon) Desa, Tha-Mein-Ba-Yan was the conqueror
He was the general of King Dhamma-Cedi of Hansa-Waddy ruler
He was killed by a lesser man of doubtful personality and honor
As though he was eaten by a ghost or devoured
I really miss the Burmese pageantry and grandeur
That flourished in upper Burma or Ah-Nyar
Where King Mindon governed with love and charity
His son, Prince Myint-Gun, attacked him with ferocity
To wrestle the throne after killing crown prince Ka_Naung, cruelly
But he failed and fled to the British Chancellery
It was a bad example of rude and ruthless roguery
It’s my honest opinion and guide for posterity.

With a king’s spirit, king’s pride and kingly determination
Aung San repelled the British and Japanese invasions
He conquered many enemies’ infiltration
But, “History repeats itself” is the maxim
It’s a natural phenomenon in the nation
I like to relate the Tagaung history and its implications.

It was like building a country and palace for a king
They were sitting in a cabinet meeting
Unscrupulous men were waiting for their hideous action
They were so treacherous in their mission
They would attack the king in broad daylight vision
Like hell hounds at large killing the knight with bleeding
It was the fate of good men to fall for oblivion
So sudden was their plight in falling
Drowning in blood to fly to Tavadein-Sa direct
Lamentable like sun setting at night;
It’s now time for remorse right?
To strike the Dhamma drum nicely
Setting the wheel of Dhamma rolling in the country
For the law of impermanence or Anicca to be seen by many
For us to unite for any eventuality
Now, we must prepare for the funeral activity
To cremate Aung San and his cronies
In the ever-lasting, elegant edifice for eternity
I’ll pay homage with humility
Well, our Burmans need not weep or worry
Evil men have succeeded only in one treachery
As Aung San died like floating downstream easily
Before reaching his destiny
With north and south chambers in the palace plenty
He had almost achieved it perfectly
Oh, I miss him dearly.

Thakhin Kodaw Hmaing
(19.7.1964)
Translation Dr Maung Maung Nyo
(6.6.2007)

Pay Back Your Debt of Gratitude! (Kyay Zu Sub Lot)

Pay Back Your Debt of Gratitude!
(Kyay Zu Sub Lot)

In the history of Burma
It has never happened ever
We were enslaved for a hundred years
Poor Burmese tried hard to recover
The lost sovereignty from colonizers
Then a bright sun appeared
It was Bogyoke Aung San, the martyr
Our beloved leader, people’s benefactor,
He fought and conquered the colonizers,
Imperialist enslavers and Fascist monsters
Independence was thus recovered
His debt is very big, nay, greater
Than the great earth and massive Myintmo together
Such was General Aung San’s endeavours.

“Incomparable and unequalled”, they say
The whole world was amazed
It was such Bogyoke’s image
Let us pay homage for sacrifices he made
He identified with the poor workers and peasants lately
He ate, slept and stayed with them affectionately
And he did not climb the state hierarchy
To be the elite of the society
But, he said he would try to be literati
After independence is gained completely
His character was thus praise worthy
He never misappropriated any state property
Not even a broken needle or crockery
So impeccable was his honesty
He could be compared to Mingyi Yan Naung for such sobriety.

But, his fate was badly sealed
He was mercilessly killed
By his enemies, U Saw’s men
On 19th July nineteen forty seven
It was a fateful day with bad omen
With downpours and sullen heaven
Gunshots were fired at them
Bogyoke and his ministers had fallen
It was a bad ominous day for the Burmese land.

Now, let us remember the sad incident
Never to forget Bogyoke and his intent
Who sacrificed their lives all of a sudden
To uplift the status of their country men
From hunger, poverty, rags and empty land
To well-fed, well-clothed and well-tended men
This for all poor workers and peasants
That’s what Bogyoke had wanted
So, let’s work hard with intent
To supplant the great debt we owed to him.

Yan Aung
(19.7.1964)

Translation Dr Maung Maung Nyo
(3.6.2007)

A Time For Repayment of Gratitude (Kyay Zu Sub Chain)

A Time For Repayment of Gratitude
(Kyay Zu Sub Chain)

It’s the monsoon awakening
We cannot forget the July happening
My mind is unstable and deteriorating
My heart is sad and sickening
I’m alone moaning and groaning.

Bogyoke Aung San and his comrades were
People’s flowers murdered in cold blood
They were a broken branch that fell in a rush
We cannot console ourselves enough.

Oh! With a misty eye and paining heart
I feel tired and hurt
I miss him and see his works
I pay homage thus.

Let us march forward
Despite the hard journey with difficulties
To reach our destiny in a new era
That is the paradise of the workers.

Artists, writers, musicians and fellow workers
Form the powerful intelligentsia
They are marching together.

At farms, factories and foundries
Workers work with will and body
These physical workers also contribute to the country
They are marching to reach our destiny.

Burma proper and states do not segregate
Unity has been made
This united strength is great
It is marching to reach the declared state.

From the country and city schools
Male and female learners are equal in full
These sincere students become our force too
They are marching towards a higher plateau.

With a misty eye and paining heart
I feel tired and hurt
I miss him and see his works
I pay homage thus.

He sacrificed his life easily
For an independent and united country
It’s thus our duty to maintain its unity
To preserve the union thus attained correctly.

Towards a peaceful workers’ epoch destiny
Let us march with determination and industry
With strong desire and plenty of ingenuity
It’s time to pay back our debt to Bogyoke-kyi.

Budalin Chit Lay
(19.7.1964)

Translation Dr Maung Maung Nyo
(4.6.2007)

19th July

19th July

19th July is a wake-up call for the nation
To be alert on all occasions
It applies to every one in all generations
Not to forget it for any reason.

It was a day in rainy season
But clear and pleasant in the horizon
It was indeed a fateful morning
Saturday was bad for the astrological vision.

At ten thirty that morning
Bogyoke and cabinet were in the meeting
People’s affairs were they discussing
Independence was soon to be coming.

At that time, a green jeep came sudden
Holding Tommy and Sten guns in hands
Number 12 Buregt army uniformed men
Jumped down from the jeep and ascended the stairs.

In a few minutes or round about
People heard gunshot sounds of “Phyauk Phyauk”
Echoing of Tommy and Sten guns bouts
It reverberated in the secretariat aloud.

The echo of gunshots reached the sky
It spread far and high
The gun smokes ran wild
Every one was terrified.

In that instance, our beloved Bogyoke fell
Learned journalist Deedoke U Ba Cho as well
So did Mong Pun Saobwa, the amicable Shan leader,
The senior statesman Thakhin Mya too were murdered
Mahn Ba Khaing, the simple Karen leader,
Saya U Razak, the Mandalay-tha
And Bogyoke Ahko U Ba Win also were
Assassinated and lost for ever.

This sad news spread like wildfire
Throughout Rangoon and elsewhere
The whole country mourned for the fallen leaders
For their irreplaceable loss with sorrow and anger
It was a great blow as all our leaders died young
We missed them and yearn for ever
It is now over seventeen years.

Bogyoke and martyrs sacrificed their lives
For Burmese people to rejoice
Independence, democracy and human rights
It’s time for us to strive
With stamina, zeal and pride
To follow Bogyoke’s plan to realize.

We can’t forget 19th July
It’s a day to cry
But it’s also reminding us
To be alert in all generation!

Tun Ne Nwe’
(19.7.1964)

Translation Dr Maung Maung Nyo
(2.6.2007)

To My Dear Chum (Chit Te’ Thu Nge Lay)

To My Dear Chum
(Chit Te’ Thu Nge Lay)
My dear chum, workers and friends,
On July seven nineteen forty seven
Our beloved Bogyoke, people’s leader, had fallen
Murdered by merciless hell hound heathens
Remember, repent and render it as a lesson.

Let victory beget victory
Don’t conceal their sacrifices for the country
We owe a great debt of gratitude for eternity
Do not waver and have unity
To preserve our union’s stability
We must be imbued with honesty and sincerity
We must march forward with certainty
With zeal zest and unity
It’s your duty, my dear working people!

My dear chum, workers and friends,
Our independence then is our life blood
We cherish it in our bosom and heart
Nobody should endanger it or smear it with dirt
It must be kept clean as first gold unscathed unhurt.

We must discard wrong beliefs and mental butts
Level the uneven ground in our path
Destroy any impediment that obstructs our journey
Educate the profiteering capitalist minority
Till our land, plant our land and feed people with efficiency
Work hard in our workshops and factories
People must own businesses for their utility
Build our economy strong for any eventuality.

If we change ourselves we’ll see every thing right
Then, we can march forward without losing sight
Of our goal of a good life or paradise
Let’s strive forward, singing the chorus thrice united.

Ze Ya
(19.7.1964)
Translation Dr Maung Maung Nyo
(4.6.2007)

O’ My Gardener (U-Yin-Hmu Nge’)

O’ My Gardener
(U-Yin-Hmu Nge’)

When the sun sets in the west
Silver rays cover the forest
Do you lie down alone and rest,
Have you peacefully slept?

You have planted so many flowers
With delicate stalk and brown blue texture
It has bloomed with full colours
It’s beautiful, full of splendour!

When the cool breeze blew and dances
Bringing clean and fresh fragrance
It excites my remembrance
I look upon you with reverence
Your sacrifice and deliverance for Burma
I say, “Sadu, Sadu” for you to hear.


Min Yu Way (19.7.2007)
Translation Dr. Maung Maung Nyo
(30.5.2007)

Speak, Beseech and Preach (Pyaw lite par bi Haw par bi)

Speak, Beseech and Preach
(Pyaw lite par bi Haw par bi)

My dear kid brother, “Brilliant Sun-shine”
Your dear son has grown up in time
He is twenty years old past teenage nine.

I noticed he is still playing with his playmates
Growing together since three years’ age
With dolls of cows and buffalo made
But, runs helter-skelter to you to bade
His whole body uncontrollably shakes
As though possessed by spirits of ancient date
I noticed it; I saw it in vivid image.

It’s time to tell him why?
On the fateful day of 19th July
Rain poured cats and dogs and crows cried
The whole city was like hell as he died.

On that day just passed ten thirty
Our beloved leader, Aung San, died in agony
He was assassinated by a jealous enemy
This news spread far and wide as calamity
It was like thunder bolt or bomb
Paralyzing people in and out of home
Making them indignant, angry and mourn
It’s from the east of village to cemetery tombs.

My dear kid brother Brilliant Sun-shine
You are the new face of time
It’s time to speak to your son to mind
For his own good to be patriotic and sublime.

He should understand Aung San’s character
Aung San’s courage and stamina
His leadership skills and endeavours
All the qualities and attributes of a perfect leader
He had accumulated for Burma.

So, speak to your beautiful young son;
Beseech and preach about Aung San!

Zaw Gyi (19.7.1964)
Translation Dr. Maung Maung Nyo
(30.5.2007)

The Martyr (Zar-ni-phwar)

The Martyr
(Zar-ni-phwar)
There are many people born in Burma
Past and present for myriads of years
But he was special and distinct from others
He was a martyr.

While playing as boys
He gazed away at times
He always contemplated in mind
He was thinking high.

As student he studied like others
He learned so fast and fared better
He had national pride and stamina
He was full of courage and adventure.

At the age of thirty years
When Burmese call it a “limbo saga”
He was brave and determined unlike others
As a good son of Burma
He marched forward for her future.

In fact, his courage can’t be measured
His love for the country massive
It’s incomparable and infinite
He inflicted many enemies in which
He never retreated for justice
He at last meets his death as sacrifice.

Nu Yin (19.7.1964)
Translation Dr Maung Maung Nyo
(29.5.2007)

Bogyoke Aung San (Past and Present)

dear alumni,
i received a small beautiful booklet containing many poems composed
about bigyoke aung san commemorating his death.it is th gift of dr
thaw si htin.i browsed through it and found many familiar poems like
those by thakhin kodaw hmaing, zawgyi, minthuwun, min yu way,budalin
chitlay etc.i here translate a short poem by saya min thu wun.enjoy.

Bogyoke Aung San
(Past and Present)
In the past when he was young
Some persons talked ill of aung san
Some with jealousy, some with angst.

But, he has mental culture
His behaviour is very mature
It shows his excellent nature.

Because they did not know
And they did not see the whole
So, they said and cajoled.

But, Bogyoke is not dead yet!
His soul is fresh and alive
As clean as rain in the morning
And as strong as the sunbeam
He's enlivening us with vim.

Min Thu Wun
(19.7.1964)

Translation by Dr. Maung Maung Nyo
(29.5.2007)