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