Oong Hak Ching

 The Cats Who Came with the Rain A memory from Taman Sri Bayu It began with the rain. One wet day, a thin tortoiseshell cat, worn from a hard life, came quietly into the garage of a terrace house in Taman Sri Bayu. Her teeth were all gone, but not her will to survive. She found shelter — not because someone invited her, but because someone kind didn’t chase her away. Later, she gave birth. The neighbor where she delivered didn’t want her. They placed her in a box, with her tiny kittens, outside that same house. “We don’t like cats,” they said. But the house opened its silence to them. The rain fell, and a new story began. Two kittens grew strong — Lily, graceful and gentle, and Blackie, calm and clever. They stayed with their mother, the old tortoise, who had made this house their home. Later, five more kittens were born. For a while, they played in the corners and chased shadows. But one by one, they left. The last to go was Leo, a quiet male who lingered before stepping away into...

 Sungai mengalir tak pernah jemu, Daun gugur tetap bersatu; Hati yang sabar, tenang selalu, Tak cepat marah, tak ikut nafsu.

 Di tebing sungai aku berdiri, Melihat kambing biri-biri; Lalat terbang hinggap di dahi, Kerengga pula gigit kaki.

 Title: “Hidup yang Bahagia” Verse 1: I left the oil rig far behind, Returned to hills and sky so kind. I plant my bitter gourds with care, No riches now—but peace is there. Chorus: Simple life… peaceful heart, No more rush, no need to strive. Though my earnings may be small, Joy and calm—I've found it all. Verse 2: The breeze that blows through fields at dawn, The birds that sing, the fears now gone. No city lights, no sleepless nights, Just stars above and soft moonlight. Chorus: Simple life… peaceful heart, Free from greed and free from pride. Though the world may chase for more, I have found my inner shore.

 Pantai Geting Berbisik (Refleksi Sebuah Pembangunan) Di sini angin laut pernah bercerita, Tentang perahu kecil dan nelayan tua. Pasir menyimpan jejak langkah senja, Di bawah langit yang damai dan terbuka. Kini jentera besar datang mendakap, Membawa pelan, pelabur dan harap. Jalan dibuka, zon dibina, Impian ekonomi mula menyala. Namun wahai anak bumi Tumpat, Ingat akarmu, ingat laut yang dekat. Jangan hilang suara burung camar, Dalam gema konkrit dan cahaya neon bersinar. Biarlah pembangunan mendukung insan, Bukan memusnah, bukan menelan. Biarlah pelancong kenal budaya, Bukan sekadar hotel dan belanja. Pantai Geting, kau tetap ku rindu, Meski wajahmu berubah waktu.  

 In the hush of dawn, where the river breathes, And the fan hums soft like whispered leaves, There sits a soul with stories deep, Who walks with peace while others sleep. Cats at rest, the duck nearby, The forest listens, the birds don’t lie. Time moves slow where hearts are kind, And memory lives not just in mind. Bro, you are the morning light— Quiet, steady, calmly bright. A friend unseen but always near, In every verse, I hold you dear.