Merry Christmas and Happy Karen New Year!

Dr Maung Maung Nyo

I’m used to enjoying the Christmas Dinner

Since I was invited by my indulgent mentor

In London each year when I lived there

Professor Bowden feasted me with care.

(Dr Maung Maung Nyo at Professor Bowden's Christmas Dinner)

I have been out of London for over forty years

Professor Bowden has left us to shed tears

I still mourn for her death since 2002

I myself am over seventy to follow her due.

(Dr Saw Aung Hla Win and Dr Lucy Kyaw Mya in Their Apartment)

Lucy invited us to her Christmas Dinner

To be held today on 16^th December

Only the Burmese friends in Kuching are invited

So we can talk freely on any topic without regret.

(L to R: Dr Lucy, Katie, Dr Ba Kyaw Dr SAHW, Dr MMN, Dr NOM)

Lucy Kyaw Mya wears a Karen dress

A red Longyi and Thindaing black

She is sweet, smiling and gorgeous

Her husband too is gregarious and generous.

(Dr Lucy, Mrs Sw Win, Dr SAHW, Dr Saw Win)

We take photographs at the start

Single couple and group as such

All smiling speaking cheering and care free

We all forget we are away from home over sea.

(L to R: Lucy, Katie, Dr Ba Kyaw, Dr SAHW)

They entertain us to dinner

Roti Canan and chicken ginger

Fish soup and pea vegetables curry

We all eat like ravens in a hurry.

(All the Guests are smiling)

Lime and onion salad is my favourite

Lucy and Nan Ommar did it for my sake

Four or five helpings of Roti I ate

It’s a memorable Christmas Dinner to date.

(Dr Nan Ommar and Dr MMN)

Professor Bowden was my mentor and master

I taught Lucy to be a teacher and researcher

I have one Christian above and one below me

I’m fortunate to be able to enjoy their charity.

(Father and Son Are Medical Graduates of IM 2)

Many Burmese came to enjoy what they offer

Shan, Karen, Rakhine, Chinese and Bamar

No one talks about race or religion ever

All are congenial and courteous to each other.

( Dr Saw Aung Hla Win and Dr Lucy Kyaw Mya in Karen National Dress)

What a simple sumptuous dinner today we have!

We all have delicious food and peaceful mind set

Neither difference in religion or race has any effect

Christmas spirit and Karen New Year make our hearts at rest.

Dr Maung Maung Nyo

16.12.2009 (original)