Ow Yeong Wai Kit, Singapore
Eucalyptus
I too am
oil-smothered.
As you
spread
my seeds,
I dissolve
your sniffles.
Like you,
my evergreen
leaves
bow
gently
in acquiescence
to gravity.
As your
senses
burn,
I too have
survived
the raging
blaze.
Go on.
Take my
timber,
ignite my
bark,
tinder-dry
for love.
Quokka
I am face to face
with the happiest animal in the world.
Look how he comes close,
so curious, so trusting.
The little furball hops over,
intrigued by this human stretched out prone.
He sniffs at my hair,
eager to nuzzle.
He has no fast food,
yet he munches leaves with such joy.
He has no smartphone,
but he knows the wisdom of the woods.
He has no words,
so he will not judge before he loves.
He is still wild.
I know we should never touch.
But how can I resist
when he gives my cheek a Quokka kiss.
Ow Yeong Wai Kit has edited poetry anthologies such as From Walden to Woodlands (2015) and Love at the Gallery (2017). His writings can be found in the Interfaith Observer, Straits Times, TODAY, QLRS, and elsewhere. Currently a teacher and writer, he holds an M.A. in English Literature from University College London.