Hands joined

In humble thanks

For the warm joy of life

And a full, firm cup that runneth

Over

Hands joined

In humble thanks

For an end to the Strife

Swallowing, plaguing our fine world

Our lies

Hand joined

In humble thanks

For all the yellow roses

And the lovely pink blossoms we

Treasure

Hands joined

In humble thanks

For the rooms in many

Hearts, with their doors always swinging open

To us.

A person with ADHD will find the phrase “it’s all in the details,” a difficult one to read. Enjoy.

She threw her heavy, book-filled bag onto the rickety rattan armchair and kicked off her shoes. A flick of the switch, and the computer came on. She glossed over the piles of students’ work, marking each with angry red crosses. Her daughter rushed in, carrying mountains of groceries into the kitchen and hollering “Mum, you’ve left the car doors open!”

She dragged herself to school the next day and faced a sea of expectant faces in class. After she returned its work, it asked “Ms. Lim, why is only half the script marked?”

Hands joined

In humble thanks

For the warm joy of life

And a full, firm cup that runneth

Over

Hands joined

In humble thanks

For an end to the Strife

Swallowing, plaguing our fine world

Our lies

Hand joined

In humble thanks

For all the yellow roses

And the lovely pink blossoms we

Treasure

Hands joined

In humble thanks

For the rooms in many

Hearts, with their doors always swinging open

To us.

Mountains are a symbol of the challenges in our lives. We see them as frightful failures, inconveniences, and sources of unacceptance in society. That said, they are sources of growth, and climbing to the summit always means a new start

Mountain

Climb so endless

The summit hard to reach

World on top so hard to access

And scale

The climb

Tough but so sure

To strengthen, lift and to mature

It grows

The butterfly. A pretty insect that one seldom pays attention to, except that it adds to the beauty of a garden.

It is, however,much more than just a beautiful insect- It signifies positivity, joy, and the freedom that all of us should emulate.

And despite its great looks, this little creature is ever so tough. Nothing fazes it- it pollinates flower after flower without stopping,wings ever flapping. it is resilient.

There is more depth to the humble butterfly than we may be aware of.

Flying

Spirit so free

Part of a joy-filled world

Its wings beautiful, yet don’t tear

Tough grace

Temperance

That envelopes

Assures that everything

Will be ever as beautiful

Unbound. 

Stepping onto the stage at Anglican Secondary School , we, a group of passionate sec 2 students, were instantly transported to a world of traditional Korean beauty and mysticism.

The warm glow of the stage lights enveloped us as we prepared to bring the timeless story of “The Tale of Tanggang” to life. This invitation to perform at a different school was a remarkable experience that we will forever treasure, filled with moments of both challenge and sheer delight.

“The Tale of Tanggang” is a beloved Korean folk tale that has been passed down through generations. The story revolves around a mother’s unwavering love for her son, Tanggang,who was born with a mysterious birthmark on his back. Our school had chosen to adapt this touching narrative into a play, and we were honoured to be part of it.

Rehearsals for the play were a journey of discovery. We delved deep into the rich cultural context of the story, learning about traditional Korean customs and values. Our drama teacher, Mr. Herman, provided us with valuable insights and guidance, ensuring that we portrayed the characters with authenticity and respect.

The set was a masterpiece of Korean aesthetics, and it was recreated at Anglican Secondary School’s stage. The backdrop depicted a tranquil Korean village, complete with traditional hanboks and a picturesque river. The attention to detail was meticulous, and it transported both our audience and us to a bygone era, immersing everyone in the world of the play.

The night of the performance arrived, and we could feel the collective excitement backstage. As the curtains opened, revealing the scenic beauty of the Korean village, we were overcome with a sense of wonder. The audience at Anglican Secondary School (SG) reacted with gasps of admiration and enthusiastic applause, signalling that our hard work had paid off and that our performance had resonated with them.

Portraying the characters in “The Tale of Tanggang” was an emotionally charged experience for all of us. We had to convey the characters’ emotions and motivations authentically, which was a rewarding challenge. The camaraderie among our fellow performers and the connection we felt with the audience made this experience even more memorable.

In conclusion, our performance of “The Tale of Tanggang” at Anglican Secondary School was a remarkable journey into Korean folklore and culture. It allowed us to share the beauty of this traditional story with a new audience and connect with our heritage. The beauty of the story, the authenticity of the production, and the sense of fulfilment we derived from it all combined to make it an experience we will forever cherish. It was a journey into the heart of Korean tradition and storytelling that left an indelible mark on our lives.

(based on a true story it actually happened)

By Fatimah Raaiha

Secondary Two

Welcome to the Getting Literal Learning Alcove, where learning and writing take place.

Here you’ll discover short stories and poems written by Michelle, an ex-MOE English Teacher who teacher who teaches at both the Primary and Secondary levels. Find out more about her by navigating to the Contact Page!

The Getting Literal Learning Alcove is also where English Language learning takes place. Michelle offers English Language classes online, using Zoom and Meet. Find out more about these by navigating to the About Us page!

The Learning Alcove is all about making writing and learning fun and useful. Please navigate to the contact page for more information or to contact Michelle!