OLD WELL

the old well is

an old woman,

dispirited, hunched,

aggrieved

a dark realm

reigns over here

ever ready to throw

its vengeance

on unsuspectful

strangers

only the heaven has

the generosity

to give it grace

- the rain fills it up

and when the weather is fine

the sky plays with it

a gentle childful

game of master sun,

queen moon

and angel stars

nobody ever

greets the old well

a good morning

afternoon or

evening

all they do

is ungratefully

bend over and

in a callous manner

start robbing it of its

luminuous peace

and tranquility

- an unkind bucket

that goes splash

before riding the

blessed sanctum

for its vitality yesterday, today,

tomorrow, everyday -

always in such a hurry

the water slushes,

sloshes, splashses

to play out its grouses

the old well

is an aggrieved woman

overused and

worn out with hatred

a restless soul

filled to the brim

with vengeance

and chagrin

to pass by one at night

one would be lucky

if one's heart does not

stumble and race

faster than one's feet

for the well's ominuous mouth

with all its sober

and solemnness

will draw your spirit in

with its damp, dark

and cold tales

and selfishly hold it there

with the tenuous

grip of a viper for

a thousand years

John Tiong Chunghoo