It has taken a nation
to raise this tiny, tenacious village:
a Kristang archeoastrolinguist and his proud Malay futurologist husband,
with the immense privilege
of carrying Singapore, and Southeast Asia, and Asia, on both
their batik shirts,
and one of them's
orange Simba hat.
And the future.
The future of all the marginalised peoples of our island and archipelago;
the place upon which so many have squatted
and sat
has now come back
as one option among many
for how we can all change the ways
we all quietly talk back;
as one option for all languages and communities
to change how we talk to each other.
How we say
I am so glad
you came all this way.
You are one brazen pair of leaves,
one little impact among many
but ever more a part of the Tree
that after all this time
has still managed to grow free.
So go far, lion-tiger boys.
Fire up the USB drives.
Embed those fonts. Unzip those slides.
Let all recognise each other.
Let all peoples know rationality.
Let nothing stop your purpose.
Let every new Lion City grow even further
into its own dreaming, rainbow destiny.
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