Getting on in years? That’s true!
Just eat and sleep? That won’t do!
Leave the house, go for a walk,
Look for friends for tea and talk.
Go for what you can afford
So long as you don’t go overboard.
Not to your liking? Let things be!
Keep your cool, show charity!
Learn new skills, you’re never too old
To discover talents manifold.
“Nothing to do” you mustn’t say–
Where there’s the will, there’s a way!
Lend a hand to those in need–
In want, in pain, helpless indeed.
Come, let’s show our concern and care
By blessing others everywhere!
This poem was originally written in Peranakan Malay (below).
Kita sudah ada umor
Jangan saja makan tidor!
Keluar rumah, jalan-jalan,
Pergi chari kawan-kawan.
Apa suka boleh bu-at
Tapi jangan sangat-sangat!
Jangan sikit kechik hati,
Chari pasal, maki-maki.
Boleh belajar apa suka,
Jangan chakap sudah tu-a!
Boleh tolong orang susah –
Miskin, sakit atau lemah.
Ada banyak boleh bu-at,
Ada hati, ada tempat.
Mari, bangun, tunjok semangat,
Mana-mana boleh, bawak berkat!
Eric Daniel Wee is a member of Paya Lebar Methodist Church. He is closely involved with the Peranakan ministry.
Picture by Interstid/Bigstock.com