For ChiaYee

Now

For you the world - your oyster

But for you girl - the torch

So bear it with pride

And hold it with your passion

Venture forth and make your mark

For yourself and for humanity*

 

Go boldly

Leave your footsteps in the sands

But tread lightly now

That you shall walk far

Lest you stir the antagonists

And manipulators of your willingness

To put your shoulder to the plough

 

Be not afraid, girl

To explore your dreams

To the ends of the rainbow

Let the passions be nurtured

And blossom

Be steadfast in your convictions

Though there may be times

You may have to take the road less traveled

And let go of the shackles of tradition

 

We who nurtured you from the cradle

Reluctantly, hesitantly

Have to let go

The strings that bind us forever

 

For you girl,

Now

The sky is the limit 

 

 

*in the words of Pro-chancellor Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Lin See-Yan -18 August, 2006