A Literary Talk in Kuala Lumpur
Dr Maung Maung Nyo
I remember going to a literary talk show
That was held in Puchong a few years ago
Ko Htin Aung, Shwe Shwe, Ommar, me; all four
Hospitable Ko Htin Aung was driving Mercedes glow.
(Petronas Twin Tower in Kuala Lumpur)
Burmese in Puchong were frank and friendly
They welcomed us very warmly
A Phongyi was present on the premise
He also welcomed us to make us ease.
(Puchong New Village near Kuala Lumpur)
About a hundred people attended the talk
We had some time to wander and walk
Then U Pon Nya chaired the ceremony
Every body gathered in the assembly.
(Heavy Traffic in Bandar Puchong that Ko Htin Aung had to Negotiate)
I opened the talk by recounting my literary career
Including the restrictions and restraints there were
Imposed by work, Sarpaysisitye (Literary Censors) and others
That was prevalent since General Ne Win took power.
(Meals and General Stores Abound in Puchong like any Chinatown)
They applauded my talk with laughter
As I mixed serious subjects with humour
I did not wish to pretend to be wise
Literary talk is meant to be merry and nice.
(Nyaungkanaye Sayadaw in Kuala Lumpur)
After me Shwe Shwe talked about poetry
It was based on her experience as literati
She said she mainly wrote in English
Still, there were many who appreciated.
(Drs Hla Yee Yee and Ko Htin Aung in Stratford-upon-Avon)
Nan Ommar then talked about her self
She emphasised on health education deliverance
She has written a lot on how women can survive
She was even awarded a National Literary Prize.
(Drs Nan Ommar and Maung Maung Nyo)
People clapped continuously at the end of speeches
They then greeted us and presented us with gifts
We in turn donated money for Dhammaryone uplifts
They entertained us to a heavy hefty Burmese feast.
(A Hefty Burmese Meal without Beer, but with Plain Tea)
We came back with heavy stomach and satisfied
We have performed such a task so well, gratified
We’re glad that Burmese in
They could hold a talk in their Dhammayone outright
We looked forward to them to prosper with might
We may come back again if they invite!
I even write an article about it in their publication, alright?
(R to L: Htih Aung, Shwe Shwe, MMN, NOM in Kuching)
I read in the news yesterday
Writers came from far away
Pe Myint and Kyu Kyu Thin
Ledwinthar Saw Chit accompanying
Came all the way from Myanmarpyay;
They gave useful talks to the Burmese workers
To work hard, to be wise and allay their fears
For insecurity, relatives at home and poverty in
They have to achieve success and wealth in
(L to R: Kyu Kyu Thin, Pe Myint, Ledwinthar Saw Chit)
10.12.2008 (original)
No comments:
Post a Comment