Singular Sizzle :: Rain Diary

22/8/93 – With the curious mind of a 4 year old boy, I stared blankly at the falling water coming from the sky. Mom seemed to call this event as ‘raining’ and would never let me outside. So there I was hands gripping rather loosely upon the grill door, forehead leaning gently against the cold steel, looking up at the sky and wondered who was pouring so much water from such a high place. It looked a lot like the shower I always take; only this so called rain falls on a wider area. I want to go outside. Why can’t I go outside? Mom who was watching me dangling at the door this whole time suddenly said; “Do you want to go outside and play in the rain?” My heart lighted up and quickly nodded to the offer. Mom unlocked the door; I slide it open with all my strength and dashed towards downpour. As countless drops pattered on my little body, I could only exclaim a wow and giggled all the way.

16/6/00 – This was the first time in my life I have ever let someone down. Guilt seemed to manifest wildly from within, and I was forced to bear the silence that evening. Today at school I made a promise with my close friend to walk home together. I was supposed to wait at the gate after school. I was supposed to go there directly when the bell rang. But I forgot and took the bus home instead. To make matters worse, it began to rain that entire evening! I still haven’t noticed that I forgot such an important thing; not until I met him that evening at a tuition centre. He was moody, and he was certainly not talking to me. When another friend told me what happened, my heart sank. Not only did I left him alone to wait, he was also forced to walk back home alone under the rain. I made a mistake, a huge mistake. The continuous heavy downpour from outside seemed to be drum rolling the guilt I was dwelling, so much that I could not focus on other tasks. The only thing I could do was say sorry again and again. Oh rainy day, why did I forget?

1/6/01 – Being at a boarding school doesn’t seem so bad. I’ve been away from home for months now and the experience so far was great. But today something interesting happened. It was raining heavily that evening, and my friend and I had to come to our classroom to tidy up a bit. The wind was extremely cold, the atmosphere was damp and we were quite lazy to do any form of sweeping. Feeling bored inside an empty classroom, my friend decided to go check out the other classrooms to see if there were others present within the academic block. I was in no mood to move about, so I let him go on his own. So there I was alone at the back of the classroom staring out the window at the beautiful falling pallets, when she suddenly entered. Of course I knew who this ‘she’ was, but it seemed like I just noticed her existence today. She had a cute frown on her face and she mumbled something as she closed her wet umbrella. Her red dotted kurung matched her red sling bag, and somehow I really like the colour red. There was a magical aura surrounding her as she sat at her seat completely ignoring me, almost like a grumpy fairy suddenly bursting out of nowhere from the mysterious pouring rain. Hey, is this love?

20/10/05 – Ah the last day of school. The time when you are ready to pack all those memories in the heart and go back home. But wait, my friends and I still had another memory to take back on that day. On the spur of the moment, we decided to take one last tour around the school and get ice-cream as the final goal. So thus we began our journey on a windy afternoon. We climbed through all the stairs, peered through restricted areas and went into almost every classroom. By the time we were satisfied with the academic block, we decided to take a stroll around the wardens’ houses which were located near the female’s hostel. Our intention: to make the girls become aware and look at us. But luck wasn’t not on our side. As we made it halfway through the road, it began to rain hard. Within seconds we were drenched and we had to dash towards the nearest cover. The four of us huffed and puffed and tried to take our breath before all of a sudden; all of us burst into laughing. Like they say, cheeky intentions always come with a price. But we still got our ice-cream despite the freezing downpour, so mission accomplished explorers!

2/1/11 – I don’t know why, it always seemed to rain whenever I wanted to see you. Last time you were soaked when you came down to see me. Today when I wanted to pass something to you, the clouds grumbled and churned louder than my nervous heart. I could even feel a few trickles of water as I zoomed towards where you were. But I’m not having any cheeky intentions here; I just wanted to see you. So why must the rain always be there as if stopping me from ever reaching you. Well who cares if I get wet or soaked or get a fever the next day; as long as I get to see you. But when I think about it carefully now, the rain was probably there to always calm me down. Yeah that must be it. I was always flustered and worried and anxious whenever I wanted to see you. Probably, just probably; the rain was always there to wash those feelings away to make room for confidence. And that’s probably why we got a chance to actually meet.

Dear rain, you have always been there at important moments of my life. You have always been there to make me feel more alive. Please continue to be there. And I’ll promise to always watch you by.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: It's been a while since I wrote something. Thank you to Kak Zaty for wanting to participate in this little activity of writing something under the theme of rain. For me, rain is the best weather there is. I love water, rainy day looks romantic and things seemed to slow down when it rains. My perfect rainy day activity would be sitting by the window eating ice-cream! Haha, anyways hope you guys enjoy this latest piece of mine. I'm a bit rusty lately, so please do bear with me as I try and get my composure back. Until next time readers, take care!

Singular Sizzle :: The Card for Everyone

It was recess at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Bayam. As it was during the fasting month, all of the Muslim students remained in their classroom including Maisarah. She was busy doodling something on a piece of paper, trying to let her mind escape from thinking too much about the surrounding heat. Lisa, the class monitor, noticed that Maisarah was drawing something and decided to have a look.

"You know Mai," commented Lisa as she glanced the half-finished picture. "You've got a lot of talent at drawing. It's really beautiful." Maisarah stopped her hand from moving and joined Lisa in admiring what was on the piece of paper. "Yeah, I think so too," she winked and wiped her sweaty forehead.

"Hey, I've got an idea!" Lisa exclaimed, dragging a wooden chair over to her friend's desk. "Raya is in two weeks time, why don't you make your own card and give it to everyone? I'm sure it'll be delighful!" Maisarah had continued her work, and gave a thoughtful look. She mumbled something about the picture, before replying, "Yeah, maybe I will. But I have to get materials later then, and it's been so hot lately that I think I will melt sooner or later if I go outside." Both of them laughed as the bell signaled the end of recess.

****************************************

Zaid's heart fluttered as he cycled back home. Maisarah's going to give away cards to everyone. Everyone including himself! "Maybe the gang of bully won't get any though," his mind wandered as he swayed from one side of the road to another.

Zaid has always been a fan of Maisarah's artwork. Every time he noticed Maisarah had drawn something, he would take a look at it when she's not around. It's not that he was afraid of her; the fact was that he was shy because he too was a fan of Maisarah herself. Zaid realized that he would be numb struck if he were to approach her directly. Many times he to to talk to Maisarah about her art, but that many times ended with no success.

"But this time I'm definitely going to have a talk with her!" he shouted as he let go of his bicycle's handle and spread his arms wide. He can't wait for Maisarah to give him a card.

******************************************

This was it. Today's the day she had decided to distribute her handmade greeting cards before the holiday began. Maisarah had came to class with a plastic full of colourful papers. Lisa had a grin on her face. The teachers could only shake their heads with a smile. Zaid had a time bomb planted in his heart.

"So that's it for today's class," Cikgu Aliff finished off his Science lesson for the day. The classroom went into a sort of frenzy. The holiday has begun! Maisarah went up the teacher and handed him a card. "Thank you Mai," said Cikgu Aliff warmly. "It's very beautiful. Okay class, Selamat Hari Raya now!"

Zaid didn't even take the energy to respond to his teacher's wish. He was trying to keep his cool as Maisarah began to distribute her cards. "One for you...one for you..." Those who have received the card kept praising at the nicely made cards. It was full in colours and details, many wondered when did she have the time to make them all. "This one is for my best friend," Maisarah exclaimed as she handed a card to Lisa. Lisa yelped in excitement and hugged her friend.

This is it, Zaid thought. She's going to skip those bullies, and it's going to be me next! He closed his eyes in anticipation and waited. And he continued to wait. Huh? He opened his eyes and realized that Maisarah was already packing her bags. She indeed have skipped the bullies, but he never thought that she was going to skip himself. Everyone began to disperse as Zaid's heart sunk deep.

*******************************************

His bicycle seemed heavier than usual. Zaid was so distressed that he was making an effort to actually go back home. He kept on sighing, wondering why he did not receive the card. As he approached the gate with his head hung low, someone called from behind. "Zaid!"

Zaid stopped but kept his head down. "What is it Lisa?" he shrugged, not having the energy to turn around. Lisa gave a giggle. "What are you so sad about? Was it because Mai didn't give you a greeting card?" she asked. Letting out a sigh, he replied, "Yeah...."

Again another giggle. "And do you know that Mai is right behind you right now?" Huh? As quickly as he could, Zaid turned around. He saw Lisa, and next to her was Maisarah! "M...Mai?" he was out of words. Maisarah scratched her cheek that was turning red.

"I'm sorry Zaid," said Maisarah as she walked towards Zaid. "It's not that I haven't prepared anything for you, it's just that I thought you wouldn't care about it. You've always been kind of distant with me. You've never even talked to me. But I guess Lisa was right, you are really down for not receiving anything. Here you go, this one's for you." Maisarah handed out a card to Zaid, which he took with a simple reply, "T...Thank you Mai."

A few long seconds went by without either of them saying anything. Then Maisarah turned to Lisa and said, "Let's go home Lisa." Lisa huffed in anger, and Zaid came to his senses. "I'm sorry. Can I accompany you guys home?"

AUTHOR'S NOTE: A special piece of work for a celebrating occasion. I always wanted to be like Maisarah creating my own greeting cards and distributing them to everyone. But as always, I never find the time and space to do so. Besides, it's not like everyone cares. Haha, okay readers, thank you for reading. To all Muslims out there:

"Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, maaf zahir dan batin!" (now, let the creative mind continue to rock)

Shot! (special):: Kay Kay Bee

Once upon a time in a land called Kay Kay Bee lived a group of young teenagers. They were all energetic, hot-blooded and intelligent. However, not one person had the same personality as the other person. Everyone was unique in their own way. And their uniqueness was what brought them together for many years as they moved towards a bigger goal and vision.

Life on the land called Kay Kay Bee was sometimes sweet, another time it was sour, and only a few moments were considered bleak. This group of people never escaped the great essence of attaining experience; especially new ones. Some experienced the tingling feeling of being far away from their homeland, and some experienced the excitement of lurking in the dark. Some got to know love closer, and some got to know themselves better. But what all of them shared in common, was the experience of close friendship.

Remember that one time when all had to gather at the dining area and do additional maths? Remember that one time whenever history paper was on the next day it would black out? Remember that one time when there was that delicious nasi lemak and fried rice sold every night? And remember that one time when some prayed on tar?

Despite the great things that were there, life on Kay Kay Bee was never meant to be forever. Some wished that it would go on for just a few more moments, but there’s a greater journey ahead for all of them. Packing their way towards the unknown future, the heart feels heavy to leave. What would life be when all are separated? One thing’s for sure; one day they’ll meet up once again somewhere along the way.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: InsyaAllah we will meet again someday! I know it's already been a month since the grand gathering at Penang, but I've only received some inspiration to write about it today. First and foremost thank you to the organizer (Abang) and the main committees. Thank you also to all who participated, you guys rock! Hope next time many more will join in.

Finally, whatever has happened I still love all of you from high school. You guys are my inspiration. Thank you for reading, happy Ramadhan! =D

Shot! :: Pick Me Up

What treasures will you find if you delve deep, deep into your family’s storeroom? Or stalk around your family’s attic? Surely dust will fly around like haze, blocking your sight ahead. Surely the different smells will rise like the result of a failed chemical experiment, warning you that something ugly might be lurking around. Being the brave person you are, you still continue to explore with the hope of finding something unique to keep.

There on the floor was an opened photo album, probably from half a century ago filled with interesting old pictures with fascinating stories behind them. There on a rotting shelf was a rather heavy metal box, and as you opened the lid you saw a handful of trading cards probably belonged to your father. And there beside a large mirror was a chest, inside it a huge collection of clothing. Despite the dust, you tried something on and it fits you just perfectly!

But what will you keep? What will you take back? There’s just too much your little body could take. Even if you were able to take all, nothing would be left to explore another day. As you pondered about, you hear something. It scared you at first, but you realised that the voice was speaking directly to your heart.

Pick me up! Pick me up!

You turned around towards where the voice was coming from, and saw a guitar. You remember this guitar. You remember it so well, that your heart skipped a beat as you glanced over its filthy body and strings. It was your guitar, a guitar that had been your company in the past. You never seemed to realise that it has been forgotten, and was left here in the dark. What kind of memories have you made with this guitar? You picked it up, smiled, and decided to take it back to reconcile with its melodies. Perhaps it will help you remember.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: In our life, many things come our way. Sometimes they are kept close with us always, and at times some are locked away to be forgotten. And some may have been thrown away, never to be retrieved again. This doesn’t apply to items or stuffs we have, but also our memories. If you delve deep into your heart, what kind of treasured memories will you find?

I didn’t really like the ending of this, but I don’t know what change to make. Oh well, hope you enjoyed it. The picture is taken by one of friends Rafi, and his other works can be browsed at the following link: [ http://www.flickr.com/photos/muraw/ ]. Thank you Rafi for letting me use this picture, and I hope I can borrow more later. Haha, until next time, take care readers!

Poetic :: Puzzle Dearest

To my dearest Puzzle,
who is ever so mysterious,
and ever so inviting,
I present to you a bouquet of warmth,
and a series of gratitude.

To my dearest Puzzle,
whose presence is a morning glory,
whose smile seems an eternity,
whose convictions are steel,
whose words are alluring and funny;
I ponder,
in what light
does your eyes cast upon me?

Then came times when there was doubt,
came times when there was confusion,
but you always came at the precise moment,
and melted my heart,
making me think,
making me feel,
making me wonder,
for you are a mysterious Puzzle,
whom I'd like to call
my companion,
my beloved,
my dearest.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: A special dedication. It's been a while since I wrote something, especially poems. Trying my best to achieve the best. Thank you for reading! Take care... ^^

Singular Sizzle :: Urban Legend (#1)

Rumour has it that an urban legend lurks around the peaceful Pinnacle Town. It is said that it would all begin when someone receives an unknown number, and decides to call it. Of course, I never knew about this urban legend until it occurred to me one fine day.

That evening could have been the busiest moment of my life. A dance was going to be held on Saturday at the school’s main hall, and I had volunteered to help set the place up. Let me remind you, I am not a very hardworking person. The real reason behind me wanting to help up was just so I could be with Diana that evening and eventually ask her out to the dance.

I never imagined working to get a place ready was hectic. Huge banners needed to be hung up, fancy decorations needed to be placed in order, while the tables and chairs had to be carried from the classrooms to the hall. Many had shown up to lend a hand, so the place was quite full with movements and chatters. As I was bringing some chairs inside the hall, my eyes darted around in search for Diana. She was one of the head committees for the event, so she was supposed to be there to make sure everything runs smoothly. Since there were quite a number of people inside the hall, I did not manage to find her.

Disappointed, I slumped the chairs I was carrying into a corner with a huge sigh. As I lazily set the chairs apart, a tap on the shoulder made me turn around. “What’s with the long face Danny?” a girl’s voice greeted me. It was Diana! My heart skipped a beat. Was this fate? I had almost given up on meeting her today and planned to continue my volunteer work half-heartedly. With her suddenly approaching me like that, I got energetic and hardworking again.

“Wow, aren’t you a hardworking guy?” Diana said with a chuckle. Diana had just transferred to my school recently, and she turned out to be the person sitting in front of me in class. So far she has been a very friendly person to everyone. Her short dark hair and those sparkling blue eyes were what made me attracted to her. I began to leave my chair arranging work aside and began to chat with her for a while.

“I’ll see you around then. Work hard!” she waved goodbye when a teacher had called her up to the office. I waved back, grinning as I watched her disappear among the crowded hall. My heart fluttered with content and happiness. This feeling did not last though, since I had forgotten my main purpose of wanting to meet her today. I did not meet her again that day as I continued my work slowly with a frown.

Evening grew late, so the volunteers were allowed to go home. I looked out one more time for Diana before I decided to go back home with frustration. It was a pretty long walk between my house and the school. I usually take up only 15 minutes to get home, but since my pace was rather slow that day the sun was already beginning to set when I reached my house. A cold wind swept by as I opened the gate.

“Mom and dad should be home already,” I murmured as I slid in the key to the door. As I was about to enter the house, I noticed that something was in my uniform’s pocket. Curious, I rummaged my hand inside it. To my surprise, I fished out a piece of paper that was folded neatly. What could it possibly be?

After greeting my parents, I rushed towards my room and started to unfold the paper. Nothing was written on it except for an unknown phone number. I thought this was weird, since I could not remember anyone that could have placed the note inside my pocket without me noticing. At that moment, optimism hit me. Could it be that Diana had given her number to me silently? To be honest, I was not really paying any attention to her actions when we were chatting earlier as I was totally mesmerized by her beauty. I could not even remember what we had talked about.

Without any second thoughts, I dialled the number. My heart raced faster when there was ringing, and I was determined to ask her to the dance this time. When someone picked up, I held my breath. “Hello?” I stammered. There was no reply. “Hello? Who is this?” I said again, but I could only hear silence at the other end. It was rather scary not hearing anything at all, not even breathing. Then, the other end hung up. That’s when things start to get creepier.

As I was heading down for dinner feeling confused over the matter, I could not help getting the hunch that someone was following me from behind. When I turned around, I could only see an empty staircase. During dinner, the lights in the kitchen seemed to flicker crazily for one moment and remained entirely calm the next. My parents took no serious concern over the matter, saying that the house was old and that my dad needed to call the electrician tomorrow. When I headed back to my room after that, I again felt that someone was following me from behind and this time I seem to hear an irregular breathing. Without checking this time, I quickly dashed to my room and locked the door.

For some reason, it was a really silent night. As I was lying there on my bed, I could only hear the sound of the clock and the sound of my heartbeat. It was beating in an irregular manner now. Nothing weird was happening at that moment, but I was still feeling very scared of what had just happened. I thought that the night was still early. When my eyes glanced at the clock, I was very surprised to see that it was almost midnight.

Then, it happened. Just when the clock struck midnight, all the lights went out. I gave a soft yelp of surprise and froze. As I was adjusting to the darkness, I noticed that the lights at my neighbour’s house were also out. There must be a power outage within the area. Finally after I few seconds, my eyes could see the surrounding much more clearly. Then I noticed something weird was moving around on my side.

I held my breath and took a look. It was something black, and it looked like a hand. A hand was creeping itself up on my right arm! I turned my face around, with my heart almost bursting inside. What was that thing? My question was answered when a cold and shrill voice was whispered into my right ear. It goes; “You called me? You called me right? You called?”

I was so scared and surprised that my voice was stuck in my throat. That thing was from the number that I called earlier. That must be it. It must have come because I called it. I never once turned around to see who or what was whispering in my ears. The thing kept whispering and rubbing my arm for a while, when it all stopped when the lights went on again.

I breathed really hard. My eyes were hurt by the sudden blindness. I turned to my side. Nothing was there. Was it still there? Will it come back? I could never know for sure, but one thing is for certain. I could not sleep the rest of the night.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: It's been a while! A piece written on behalf of Kikuri's request. Getting some urge on understanding more urban legends out there. If you have avy good ones, do tell me okay? Take care now!^^

Singular Sizzle:: Dreams

Can I make a request to the Dream-maker tonight? The lights were out. The stars were not glowing, and the moon was not its usual self. No music were coming from the mysterious garden below, no whispers were coming from the unseen above. Then I shall ask for a dream, for humans must have dreams. For dreams is what builds us into a better person. Can I?

O’ Dream-maker, can you give me a dream? I want to be a hero that saves this world from whatever is conquering it. Provide me with a weapon and a shield, and then put me where it is most dangerous. Do not yet end my dream so quickly, for a hero must not see his end when a different end is still far away. I shall dice and slice all evil, and taste sweet victory as a new dawn arises. I will be a person with pride and strength the next day. Can you?

But wait, I see a boy smiling in his slumber. What is this, Dream-maker? It seems the boy had a more interesting dream. Give me that one instead. I want to be a gentleman that craves for the love of his heart. We are separated by rigorous mountains and vicious seas and extreme thoughts. Make it look almost impossible for us to be together. But make me then, the one to traverse such harsh troubles with a body strengthened by love. By the time I meet her I shall grasp her in my arms, and bring her away to a place where separation only comes when I must return to where I belong. I will be a person filled with love and determination the next day. Can you?

I must get going, but what are these sobs I’m hearing? Dream-maker, a teenage girl is crying with a smile and with her eyes closed. Perhaps it is something good from you. Give me that one instead. I want to be a young maiden in a small room, living with parents who work hard for me. Hunger is my friend by day, and cold is my blanket by night. Fill me with hope, for I am doing my best to change what can be changed. When the turning points finally come, I shall shed tears of joy and hug those who have shared them with me. I shall shed tears of joy and embrace those who have helped me thus far. I have succeeded! I have succeeded! May my shouts does not wake me. But if I do, then I will be a person filled with patience and hard work the next day. Can you?

Silly me, the hours are etching. I must have my dream now. Yet, I am distracted by a man’s laughter. Have I not make up my mind still? I think this is fun, Dream-maker. Give me that one instead. I want to be a man, whose life is dedicated to his arts and to his wife. The stories I write shall amuse the passing citizens. The poems I construct shall quiver even the hearts of kings. My name will rise from one region to another, and let there not be jealousy but inspiration. As dusk drew nearer, make me meet my wife standing by our door. A kiss will be given. A tale shall be told. We would laugh at each other; listening to things we call living. Let it end with us going to bed, only to find myself up with reality. I will be a person filled with dedication and responsibilities the next day. Can you?

I guess that shall be it? No, I think it is not just yet. O’ Dream-maker, you are showing me a woman who is talking in her sleep. I hear her tone, and noticed that it is a tone of contentment. This must be the peak. Give me that one instead. I want to be a mother of two with another one almost coming. Paint a scene of a clean house where I could see the husband sitting on his favourite chair with the children surrounding. “Papa is going to tell you a story, a story about a happy family.” They would listen. I would listen. And I think he is telling a story based on a true event, a story about us. “I think, this is a happy family for me.” Please do not make the dream so clear, for I wish to explore its meaning on my own. Just make me retain that feeling, that I will be a person filled with happiness and satisfaction the next day. Can you?

My nights are left with just a quarter, can I still dream? There is a last something I must recognize, Dream-maker. This person of an elderly state is dreaming with a face of wrinkles and peace. The breathing is slow, yet it sounds alive. Give me that one instead. I want to be an old person, pondering by itself upon the tiny sandy beach which connects with the wide bustling ocean. The stars are bright and the moon is beaming. Make the tunes of nature available; for I shall want to stay there just a little while longer. Make the adventures of humans tail me; for I shall want to see what road have I taken along the way. No, there will be no space for regrets. What done is done, and I’ve done my best. As the last siren from the jetty makes its call, I’m at completion to head on to another adventure. I always know I am not alone; there are things that will follow me then. When the siren ends, let the dream ends as well. I will be a person filled with harmony the next day. Can you?

That is all I think in my request to you, Dream-maker. Let me lay down my head, and I will let you weave your magic. I shall have my sleep and I shall have my dream. I wish away from nightmares and I wish away from night bugs. Without moving an inch, I am drifting away towards my dream...
Cock-a-doodle-doo!

What? The cock has already given the signal. I did not get my dream, for dawn had come. Then what am I today?

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Indulge in my assignment for the subject EDC1206 (Introduction to Literature)! I've sent this as a short story, but madam said it's better as a poem. Haha, anyway...I'm quite satisfied with this piece. Hope the issue in this story can be understood. Enjoy and take care readers! ^^