The White Sands Reach Far Out To Sea (1984)

the white sands reach far out to sea
rolling bunds upon sun-beaten lee
how far out the horizon seems to be
grey against cliff-face and fallen scree

but on this gloried sand i walk now on
the noon sun lighting a heated storm
the glare burns fiery in my eye
as they wander up the sky

young voices echo in the weary mind
distant drones of machines at work
and rustling leaves, quickly fade
into the lapping mournful waves

such happy sights of the mind’s eye
quickly, too quickly these die
men’s thoughts are mortal too
o bleached sands am i like you
seemingly happy but found so dry


25 April 1984
I wrote this in the afternoon, after a short walk from Camp III when was stationed at Pulau Tekong’s Infantry Training Depot.

According to a handwritten note scribbled on the original fragment, it was written “on the reclaimed land off Pulau Tekong used for long distance training runs”, and dated, 25 April 1984. By this time, I was half way through my national service, which was to end within 11 months time. At this time, it was already clear to me that I might not succeed with my own plans to “sign-on” the Air Force as air defence communications officer, and get a scholarship. The sight of aircraft taking off and landing at Changi Airport from the breakwater of the reclaimed land is impressive, and inspiring, especially in the evenings where the airport lights are the brightest in the southern horizon.