wetlands
a publication of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Vol 10 No 1
Dec 2002

snakes: myth & reality

fell & fly: about poems

finding & growing native plants
merope angulata

glochidion littorale

the kingfisher experience

wetland rainforest
the sungei buloh mangroves

how sungei
buloh 'got' me

world environment
day: 5 jun 02

back home again
   back home again
Tay Soon Lian has come a full circle to the arms of the place where he used to be. Now as one of the conservation officers, he is responsible for the well being of this rare oasis.


Patiently, as I waited in my car following the long queue, the tune of "Back Home Again" played soothingly in the background. Reflections of when I first came to the mangroves were conjured up and hanging by a song. Coming home to a place I have been before, leaving yesterday behind me, you might say I was 'born again'; you might say I found a key to every door...

My thoughts went back to the days when I spent my time in the mountains, the quiet solitude of the forest, the streams, the serenity of the clear blue lakes and having the experiences of seeing a lot of sunshine, sleeping out in the rain and camping a night or two with those I knew. The thundering noise from the railway track brought me back to existence. Driving through the concrete and steel of the industrial area, the sky opened up and I could breathe easily again. I sighed with relief as I gazed at the beautiful and comforting glearning water of the reservoir and the Straits. As I turned right, unfamiliar landmarks appeared in front of me where grasslands used to dominate and where "Greater Coucals" used to dance. I peered up the line of lamp-posts for my morning friend who used to greet me when I drove pass this stretch of road, but Mr Black-shouldered Kite's familiar presence was not there.

Turning into the driveway, the Erythrinas seemed to bow and say "have a nice day". I smiled as I passed them, parked my car and hurried down to the main bridge to witness the coming of a new day, and it never fails to give me this nice feeling of familiarity, to be there alone with my old friend Mr Bridge and watching the sunrise. I greeted him and shared with him a few things that had happened since the last time I saw him and he told me a few stories too. During our conversation, a happy tune came to my mind as I hummed and gazed out to a brand new day.
"Silently the morning mist is lying on the water,
captive moonlight waiting for the dawn.
And softly like a baby's breath, the breeze begin to whisper
The sun is coming, quick we must be gone.
Smiling like a superstar, the morning comes in singing,
the promise of another sunny day.
And all the flowers are opened up together in the sunshine
I do believe that nature is here to stay"

I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of the morning sun and the peace. Here you can talk to God and listen to His casual reply. Reflections in the water weaved like shadows in my mind, spoke to me of passing days and nights and passing time. It seemed a shame to see the dawn swallowed by the sun and more than that it was oh so sad to see the morning end. Although the changes are a lovely thing to see, if it were mine to make a change, I think I would let it be.

Making my way back, I saw a silhouette gliding freely and gracefully with the wind, I remembered someone once said to me, "He'll be a poorer man it he never saw an eagle fly". I guess I am not that poor after all. It is going to be a good day and I am glad to be home.
   
© Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve