I Need A Mountain Spring

I Need A Mountain Spring

I need to find a mountain spring

That man has never seen or touched

That only deer come to drink

And birds and squirrels can vouch

To have it bordered by plants

And small pools for peacock fish

To swim and play stunts,

Reflecting its scaly rainbow flash.

And by its side monkey cups abound

Collecting dewy raindrops of rain

The agile monkey's life line bond

That is part of the mountain terrain.

I need a mountain spring

Unspoiled by human hands,

Its pure water, unwashed, unringed

Left to wash only its bottom sands.

I need a mountain refreshed

By the sweet songs of birds calling

For their mates to build their nest

Amidst butterflies fleeting.

I do not need artificial springs

That sound un-operatic

Infiltrate our private space, bring

To our ear, music chaotic.

I do not need a concrete jungle

Where hills and mountains vanished.

No trees and branches jangle

But cement, plastic and steel finish.

Give me a mountain spring

Pure and unsullied to dream

Before the rising of the sun

And lay down before the moon beam.

That is my last wish for myself

And for others who love this earth,

That come what may, the shelf

Of life, this earth will continue to have hope and rebirth.

                                                                                          Khoo Soo Hay

                                                                                          Penang Municipal Youth Park

                                                                                          07.02.2014