The Muruku Murmurations

This was written for a friend who just lost someone very dear recently. It's just the start of 2019 but then again, time is somewhat relative and it is just a marker. I hope that eventually we all find closure and peace for the people we have said goodbye to. They may not be in our sights anymore but their absence will make our hearts grow fonder of them as we keep their memories alive in our minds and continue their legacy. Tonight will be the hardest night, When your heart and thoughts won't be alright, Hold on tight to the strength and light, That you have inside that is bright. Don't push back the sorrow Or hide in the deep, dark burrow You will have more steadiness to face tomorrow And soon hope and peace will follow. - Swit Marie 0113H 18th January 2019 TMM HQ

At the end of last year, I was chanced to meet a very special person at a party that I almost didn't make it to as I arrived after everything was over. I met random people while trying to confirm plans and he was one of the people I was introduced to. There was something magnetic about him, maybe it was his demeanour or the way he carried himself. Recently, I had the utmost pleasure of spending some time with him and our conversations sparked some inspiration for me to write this year. In retrospect That night was not an honest mistake In reality That moment was an honest chance In regards That the weeks that followed after were an honest surprise. Rewind to the times when We wanted a moment to be real To be moved by convictions To feel like we found a place to belong We wanted to come back for our nation. Reality hits you in waves When realisation comes and opens your hearts to feel for the generations Realising that we are the hands to mould change That we are t...

This piece was written out of a conversation my friend and I had recently about how infatuation and genuine human connection can alter the way we feel, how we treat people and perceive ourselves. We spoke about the synergy that flows in the interaction between each party and the ease in being present with the other person. River of Stolkholm Take my hand and plough me through the wane and ride of the valleys of the shadows Call to me with your current and flow Make my insides call to you to make me whole Stir up the desired lust for your clarity To shine your crystal light unto my path Re-imagine and redefine my curves and ways to match yours in response to your love. - Swit Marie 0951H 12th January 2019 Ang Mo Kio

I wrote this in the form of the different thoughts I had recently when I let go of some things in my past. I discarded all the poems my ex wrote for me along with the lies and thoughts that were attached to it. I have come to realise that I overvalue people and tend to give more than they deserve. I also found out in the past year who are the ones who are more deserving of my time, love and effort and who I should not invest more in anymore. Thought: I held on to it because I didn't want to forget how much a person could love me and the extent that I could give of myself in devotion to that person. Thought: I was afraid of losing that part of me, that ability to be entirely selfless and to feel unconditionally loved and accepted by someone else. Truth: I realise that I have outgrown these experiences and if I were to love someone to that capacity again, it would be even more so as I have grown to be a more whole and stronger person once I have moved past these next 2 years. Th...

Aside from the light house, I have always related to the light of a candle as myself. 2018 was about defining who I am as a person beyond my function and functionality, rebuilding and finding my light again. I will always be the candle lit in the darkest of days and will have that light in my life no matter how difficult the circumstances. I am also thankful for the lighthouses that are present in my life. I am a candle In the lighthouse That small glimmer of faith A light in the light house never goes off But if it does There I will be There I will stay There I will last Till the darkness comes to pass Till the light of day comes to dusk Till the we have the strength to muster up courage to live another day Standing steadfast and tall For others to see For others to seek out For others to seek refuge and hope during the storm that rages at them and challenges their survival There will be hat one things that will never fail. - Swit Marie 0300H 10th December 2018 Book...

This year has been very dark for the most of it but not without comfort or some form of light. As 2018 comes to a close, I realised that because we went through so much in 2017, that gave us the resilience to get through 2018 and we are indeed stronger now because of the tribulation that has transpired. Being accustomed to the darkness required us to be spend extensive amounts of time being in its presence Knowing the ins and outs of our surroundings in the absence of light Finding solace and comfort in knowing the breath of our existence is not threatened by the surroundings we are uncertain of Steadying our hearts when our ears hear sounds that stir up the deepest innate fears that swim around in the lakes of our subconscious Subduing our imaginations from running amok when our eyes can't see with clarity Ignoring the enhanced creeping sensations that scurry across your skin that make your hairs stand on end Visiting this place isn't the same as living in this constant un...

It was our 56th official show throughout the course of 3 and a half years. Each person in the Walls team had a chance to speak for one last time during this humble and captivating open mic hosted by The Gaslight Cafe KL. I tried to write a poem and thank all the people that have stepped in and out of my life because of the time we spent together within these walls. With the closure of Gaslight and the ending of Walls, I hope more people will step up and take the mantle in fanning the flame for the community. I am not very good at saying goodbyes This is not the time that I will try These walls have heard our voice People have laid, jumped, crawled and stood here with poise This is the place where bystanders become poetry writers And first timers become organisers This is a labour of love for the people within these walls For all of you sitting down and standing tall I hope that you have experienced love, empathy and comfort With every word that was spoken and all of our effort. Its tim...