Ya’aburnee
يقبرني
[Ya-ah-boor-nay]
Translated directly from the Arabic, “You bury me,” a declaration of one’s hope that they’ll die before another person because of how difficult it would be to live without them.
Coming and Going
I started to miss Singapore even while I was there. I know I should live more in the present but I missed the trees, the various bird calls (the rambunctious sparrows, the mynahs, the odd rooster in a neighbour's backyard), the heat, the food.
It must be the time away. Being away for seven years brings everything into focus. Thorn-sharp.
The bad (crowds, the afternoon heat, the crowds) becomes unbearable.
The good (hawker food, Malay makciks, Tiong Bahru) sublime.