Shards in the Kaleidoscope

Shards in the Kaleidoscope

ANTHOLOGY OF STUDENT WRITING

TRINITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION STUDIES JULY INTAKE 2003/4

VOLUME 6, 2004

An anthology by the July Intake Foundation Studies Students at Trinity College, University of Melbourne

Edited by: Neralie Hoadley, Glen Jennings, Meagan McCue, Dion Teasdale, Mike Heald

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I:Writing about the migratory experience

II:Poetry Selection

III: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

(b)Gothic Fiction

In Australia…

Cheryl Au Mae Ying

I vaguely remember my first night out in Melbourne, on a Sunday. I left the house and headed for town, enthusiastic and ready to go on a shopping spree. To my astonishment, the city was unlike what I had imagined it to be; the hustles and bustles of moving vehicles and streets filled with shoppers. Instead, it was filled with a quiet and yet peaceful atmosphere. I learnt that in Melbourne, Sunday is considered a rest day, which would explain why many store vendors do not operate on a Sunday. Amidst my disappointment, I decided to take a night stroll and enjoy the scenery of Melbourne. This is when I noticed one thing particular about most houses in Melbourne. That is, the houses either have low brick fencing or have no fencing at all. It certainly amused me a little as back in my country, this would seem rather inviting for a burglary to happen.

I remember a time when I was on a tram, sitting next to a middle-aged lady who had a friendly smile on her face and she started telling me about her day, which seemed awkward to me at first, but I enjoyed listening to her conversation. A substantial proportion of people in Australia, I find, are more open-minded and happy to engage in friendly conversations with the people around them. On the contrary, back in Singapore, Singaporeans would react rather conservatively when facing the unfamiliar.

In Australia, after a long day’s work, I would sometimes pamper myself with a hot, steamy, aromatic cup of coffee. This I must say, is one “luxury” which I adapted to since the day I first stepped foot in Melbourne. Back in my country, I hardly, almost never, drink coffee as my mum use to say, “ It destroys your brain cells”. Yes, but the endless row of Italian cafes and the distinct scent of fresh brewed coffee every morning, simply led me into temptation. Who could resist such temptation?

Once I visited the state library in Melbourne and noticed a huge crowd of parents, like busy bees, standing in the front porch of the building protesting against child labor, holding posters with the message “Free The Children”. It was my first time witnessing people protesting. In Singapore, the right of having the freedom of speech is not given. Thus, it was definitely an eye-opening experience for me.

Last but not least, I enjoyed particularly my first trip to the supermarket here in Melbourne. It all started with a sudden craving for green beans and I was looking frantically for them along the aisle of the supermarket in vain. A saleslady with a cheerful smile offered her assistance and after a long, tedious process of describing what I was looking for exactly, I finally learnt that the green beans are called mung beans in Australia. In the end, what I enjoyed most was not the beans that I finally found but the friendly saleslady who went the extra mile to meet a customer’s needs. This was one of the many enjoyable experiences that I have gained throughout my months of shopping and indulging in the various delicacies of Melbourne, which indeed are experiences not to forget.

The Housemother

Wu Yu Helen

Living in a foreign country which has a totally different culture from one's motherland's can be a magic and precious experience. For my part, one of the reasons that I decided to study in Melbourne was to appreciate another culture. As a whole, I have enjoyed life and study in Melbourne very much. During the first three months of my stay, there was one memorable incident which has broadened my views on foreigners. It is the first meeting between my housemother and me.

On arriving in Melbourne, I was immediately driven to my arranged home stay while enjoying fresh air and the great early-morning sights of Melbourne. Half an hour later, I was in the house where I would live for a period. At that time, a pajama-clad middle-aged woman, still half asleep came to the door and directly guided me to my room, introducing its functions. And she emphasized that it should be carefully used. One day later, I finally knew her name was Jody and that she is my housemother. After finishing showing the room, she asked me whether there is anything she could help me with. I politely refused her suggestion because in my Chinese culture, it is rude to accept a person’s offer immediately. Actually, I was so starving and tired that I needed something to eat and a shower. I thought that she would ask me a second time. Then, I would happily accept. Unfortunately, she left me and went to sleep again. Everything was so efficient, but I did not feel a warm welcome at all. I had been told that nearly every foreigner was willing to show enthusiasm compared with the emotionally controlled Chinese, so I was wondering whether I did anything wrong. I was in such a puzzled mood for a whole day with an exhausted and starving body.

The next day the housemother went downstairs and provided food and a bathroom for me. She secretly said that I should ask for what I need directly. This is the first lesson I learn in Australia. The housemother teaches me that I should ask what I wish for directly when I live in a foreign country.

As time went by, I was getting along well with the family. I began to learn that Jody was a single mother who raises two kids. When I looked at her busy life dealing with her career and family issues, I felt like she shortened the distance between Australia and me. I realized that mothers in the universe are the same. Cars here are driven on the left side of road while in China we drive on the right. Casinos are legal in Australia whist it is strongly forbidden in my homeland. I am facing so many different aspects. However, I am sure there are as many kind mothers here as in China. Realizing this, I feel much better. I am confident that I will enjoy life in Australia.

Chinese New Year Celebration

Christine Ratna

The warm glow of the morning sun pervaded my room, rousing me from my sleep. I rubbed my bleary eyes and focused them on the hands of the wall clock beside my bed. They showed seven o’clock in the morning. I quickly get out from under my duvets. I was overwhelmed with intense happiness because it was Chinese New Year. For the past four years, I had been spending my Chinese New Year’s without my family and relatives in Singapore.

I can hear the clanking of pots and pans when I stepped out of my room. I knew that my mother and aunts were cooking special dishes as it was our tradition to have a big feast and gathering during Chinese New Year. I was overwhelmed by intense happiness as I steeped out of my bedroom. Sweets, peanuts, cookies, cakes, and other variety of Chinese New Year snacks occupied almost the whole rectangular table covered with red embroidered linen clothes. I quickly went to get myself dressed up with my new clothes that I bought specially for New Year. Wow! What a nice outfit I thought. I was preening myself in front of the mirror for almost a decade. Satisfied with my appearance, I went out to wish my father and mother “xin nian kuai le, gong xi fa chai,wan shi ru yi, shen ti jian kang” which means wishing them a happy and prosperous new year, where everything goes well and the best of health. After wishing my parents, I said the same wishes to the other elders in my house including my aunts and uncles. I was so jubilant because they gave me the red packet (‘hong bao’). In Chinese tradition, those people who have not married even though they are not children will receive this red packet.

In the afternoon, we had our lunch together. I ate with relish. Seldom had I seen so much food before. Food of every imaginable variety was placed on the long oval table which had beautifully embroidered flowers sewn all round the edge. Neatly cut succulent pieces of pork in brown sauce, hot steaming porcelain bowl of mushroom soup, and prawn dumpling fried in deep golden brown are some dishes cooked by my aunt. There are actually eight dishes as number eight is believed to bring luck to the family. It was a sight to tempting to resist.

After we had our lunch, my parents and I went to my grandmother’s house as it is the Chinese tradition to visit the elders on the first day of Chinese New Year. It was the same routine happening at my grandmother’s house: wishing the elders and given the red packet. However, it was much quieter this year as almost all my cousins were overseas. Most of the time, it would be noisy with the adults talking about business. I felt like I was in the senior citizen’s club. The absence of the noise this year made me uncomfortable.

After visiting my grandmother, I went to visit my neighbour whom we regarded as a part of our family. We were engaged in an animated conversation at her house until we realized that it was already dark. We then took our leave and plodded home.

Upon reaching home, I threw myself out of sheer exhaustion. I was fluttering with excitement as I counted the money that I received that day. I was overjoyed to discover that I got more that I expected. Thus, that ended my first day of Chinese New Year which was full of joy and exuberance.

POEM ABOUT DESTINATIONS

Departure: 2003

Luggage in hand, looking down,

I sink deep into the sea of memory.

Why the look? Why the smile? Why pour

Your speechless tears over me?

The airport is quiet; the spirits

Passing by, I know them not,

As are the years lying ahead.

Still, I step out without halting—

—Away from the tender shepherd’s care

Into a world of mist, I dare…

If you give me a pair of wings to fly,

I will bring back a girl with confidence and pride.

Grace Fung

OVERSEAS

I stared. The sea.

Numerous crystals shining

In front of me

Extending to infinitude

over the sea.

It might lead to heaven

It might pass to hell

Who knows?

The person who is brave

The person who is curious

The person who wants difference

Over the sea

The crystals are still shining

I have courage

I am curious

I want difference

But I didn’t find what I am seeking.

Yet, I am satisfied

the seeking is enough.

Livia YING Li Wen

TANJUNG KARANG BEACH

The shiny sands are gleaming

The sunshine is warming

The soft wind is blowing

Flowing into my mind

Hurry! Jump into the sea!

Feel the fresh blue water!

Splashing and spattering

Laughing and cheering

Look! The heavenly colourful corals!

Watch those wandering fishes!

Passing and ceasing

Swimming and dancing

Oooohh!

The sun is setting too fast

The blue skies are darkening too quickly

Mother calls hundred times

Returning home is always a drag

Jeissy Koriston

PORTUGAL, Albufeira

A silken night on silken skin,

Wrapped in velvet darkness.

In the embrace of a passionate wind,

Soft sand

Caressing

Soft feet.

Only the song of the

Siren,

The Song of the sea

Whispering…whispering…

To you…to me…

Sangria from the bottle

Red and sensuous,

Exotic fiery fruit.

We look out at a black ocean.

Impressive pillars of sandstone,

Statues of

Stoic perfection along a

Naked beach.

Bright butterfly colors

Spinning behind us,

Footprints retraced lead to

the Rustling of skirts.

Samba

Flamenco

Freedom.

Together we moved.

The pulse of the music to the

Pulse of our hearts.

Together.

Hand on hand

Skin on skin.

Dark eyes

Peering into

my Soul.

Secrets revealed, the

Veil

Useless.

Albufeira.

Tasha Lim

GEISHA

White face, red lips and tight kimono

Strained style of walk

Her white submissive mask

Stated

The traumatic mark;

In her life

Happiness and laugh in front of customers

Tears dropping inside the heart

In the city Kyoto

My pace becomes slow

Soft Elegiac whispers to me

I said, ‘History is the thing that no longer exists.’

The whisper stops.

Gladly coming of the new era

Nomore

White mask

Kyoto is painted with traditional color

Where original taste is no longer

White face, red lips and glamorous kimono

Elegant style of walk

Wong Pui Yuk Tandi

HONG KONG

Hong Kong,

Pearl of the orient.

Fantastic scenes leave an indelible Impression.

But things change fast here,

The hustle and bustle.

Hong Kong,

East mingles with west,

Antiquities and concrete stand.

Land of the Queen in the past,

Now, gone back to her mother.

In her Day,

Imposing towers line the waterfront,

Steam boats and ferries cross the sea.

Look! Leaving behind the ripple of silver lines

A marvellous and breath-taking view.

At Night,

Different coloured dots glitter like a mirror.

Numerous sparkling diamonds, spread everywhere,

Countless neon lights show the way in the darkness like the Pole Star.

Hong Kong, such a magnificent view at night!

LEUNG Pak Ning Perry

COLLINGWOOD

Black and white

Swaying everywhere

Parade along Swanston Street

Support and encouragement can be heard

Go, go the Pies

Go, go the Pies

Beat the lions!

Be the winner!

Thousands of heads

Bob about at Jolimont M.C.G

Watching and worrying:

Who’s gunna be the winner?

Pies, are you gunna be the winner?

No, no the Lions are

The Lions are way too strong

For us to beat this time

The Lions are the kings

Kardina

ST KILDA BEACH TOUR (at dusk)

Behold! The reflection of the

Splendid neon lights

Sparkling on the bay.

Behold! The foliage of the

Towering palm trees

Swaying along the shore.

But

Little human

Do you behold

The greatness of the Creator

in the midst of all this?

LUI Hok Chun Eric
PALEMBANG

Friday evening,

Standing at the fountain.

Feeling lonely.

A mosque.

The year 1998,

the remnants of pain.

The swallows,

return to their nests,

saddened me further

The yellow bridge; dented buses;

small and dirty, always

my little Hometown

Belinda Wijaya

RIOT

It was the time

When my country was a mess

We couldn’t decide

Who was right

And who was wrong

Everyone had become evil

The year was 1998.

I was in a place,

Where my ears couldn’t be used

Where ships couldn't port

Where people caught their food

Where my needs were fulfilled

It was an interesting place

We could distinguish the sea

From the mountain

And the air was refreshing

But it was impossible for

All of those elements

To exist in my mind

I was confused

I was afraid

I was worried

I felt very dizzy

Irwan Suryadi

PEACEFUL PLACE

Church sonatas and

Holy hymns

Resounding

All over the city

From every vantage point.

Michelangelo

A long time ago,

Built such a

Splendid church as this!

His divine skill

was given by Thee.

I wonder at being here.

May I stay a little longer?

It is such a pleasant moment

Yet so transient

And therefore inadequate.

John Paul, the Pope

Is so weak.

Wish thou wilt bless

Him as well as

Everyone on earth.

Wong Kwok Sum

A TINGE OF SADNESS WITHIN.

Pulau Redang,

the island of dreams: yet

something was missing from this wonderful scene.

It wasn’t the beautiful cloudless night sky

nor the brightly shining stars,

but it was the presence of

You - the person whom I truly adore.

The calmness of the sea,

The coolness of the glistening sand,

The peacefulness and the serenity,

Slightly lifted up my spirits

But noting your absence

I can’t help but feel

A little tinge of sadness growing within me.

Laughter and giggling can be heard nearby.

I would be happy too

If you were beside me here.

God indeed is utterly wonderful

To bestow such a gift as a place like this

Selfish and unkind He is not

And truly You too, are a gift from God.

As I sit by the beach thinking of you,

All I hope is that your heart longs for me too.

Chris Tang

WEATHER ALERT

In his pocket sleeps a postcard

From somewhere he has never been.

Hours from now he will beard a plane

To a place where winter in a slight

Dip in temperature overnight.

In a living room, a wife waits

for her husband, impatiently

Looking out the window,

holding back the yellow

Curtains she doesn’t realize she is holding. She listens

For his truck in the driveway.

Snow falls. It doesn’t know there is danger in its fall

One flake can balance on a fingertip

And easily melt. Burgeoning,

They obscure, they bury, they blind.

The snow thinks nothing of this world.

Suki WU Hui Li

LIGHTS

I sit by the window in the night

Glancing out on the late city

The beauty and wonder calms my mind,

Taking me to a place

The tranquillity

Makes me understand

That life shouldn’t be spent in sorrow.

Christopher OH Jian Li

AN ISLE CALLED BALI

The island of the gods,

So they name it

As captivating

As a pastel painting

So high is the tide