Laughter among the Burmese Literati II

Retold by Dr Maung Maung Nyo

(3) “Why do you write a short story? You can buy it to save time!”

Once Maung Kyaw, a young writer, was writing earnestly in his
apartment in Tammwe, Rangoon, before the WW II. U Ba, an owner of
the grocery store nearby, came to his apartment, but Maung Kyaw did
not pay any notice to him.

(Khitsan Stories, "Time Testing Short Stories", cover)

So, U Ba cleared his throat and asked
Maung Kyaw," Hey, Maung Kyaw, what are you writing so absorbed?
You did not even notice me coming."

(Book Cover of A Book by P. Monin)

Maung Kyaw then stopped his
writing, looked up and said," Ah, U Lay Ba ,I'm writing a short
story. It's the climax and nearing the end. Do you come here to ask
for your debt? No money yet, U Lay Ba."

U Ba shook his head and said," Oh, I can wait for your debt. But why
write a story yourself. Buy a book or a magazine and read it. It will
save your time."

(The Man Like Him (Thu Lo Lu) by Journalgyaw Ma Ma Lay)

Maung Kyaw laughed heartily, changed his clothes and left for the city.
Maung Kyaw was the real name of Sayagyi P. Mo Nin, the celebrated
writer and GOM of Burmese letters then. He told this story to his
friends and disciples like Thu-Kha, Mya Myo Lwin and Zawana. They all
laughed.

(4) What is a short story and what is a novel?

Once we were in the midst of a conference/meeting for selecting
the National Literary Prize for that year. Then, some one asked us
to stand up and we all stood when a VIP with his entourage entered
our room and greeted us. He asked us," What are you all Sayas doing?"

(Eight Modern Classic Burmese Poems cover)

The Chairman of our group, one Deputy Minister, replied," We are
selecting the stories for this year prize, Sir." The minister for information said,

"Good, What type of story?" The Chairman replied, "Short stories and
novel, Sir".

(Zawgyi Centenary Celebration Booklet cover)

The minister for information asked," What is a short story and what is an
article? What is the difference between short and long story?". The
Chairman replied," There are books in these topic written by Dr Maung

Maung Nyo.We'll present you, Sir." The minister said," Ha, I know Dr
Maung Maung Nyo. I read his articles in Doh Kyaung Tha Sar-Saung

(Our Student Bulletin)."

(Of Human Body by Drs MMN & NOM)

All the writers and poets laughed as that Sar_Saung is meant for
the middle and high school students.

Dr Maung Maung Nyo

24.04.2009