David Poon Tek Wah and Mae Ang

Our Past & Present Lives

David Poon Tek Wah:

School finally over, and we were all excited to get home. We agreed to play hopscotch and marbles. Today I was confident that I would win the game today as I have been practicing at night with my siblings. 

“Raja! Ah Beng! Come and Play!” I called out to them. We were all getting excited as the game got more intense. It was an enjoyable time as it felt like the hours flew past and the sun began to set. 

“Dinner is ready, everyone!” Aunt Sally called to us and the rest of the children. Upon hearing that, we stopped all our games and scrambled to the long table at the front yard.

We were all famished and there was so much food on the table. There were fried meehoon, chicken wings, vegetables and many more. The neighbors always bought food to share, and it was such a scrumptious meal. 

Dinner time is my favorite as I enjoy trying food from different cultures. I enjoy having conversations with everyone as it feels like we are one big family. 

30 years later…

Mae Ang:

“Hurry! Lets make sure we have the food and decoration ready before the block party starts!” I said to my wife. How time flies. Another year has passed and this marks my 5th year organising the Mid-Autumn block party at our rooftop community garden.

“Alright, I’m ready! Let’s go!” my wife remarked. We brought the food and decoration up to the rooftop garden and started decorating the pavilion in anticipation of our neighbors and friends who will be joining us very soon. We also made sure to prepare more lanterns and sparklers this time so that all the children and adults can enjoy the celebration later. 

Soon, the rest of our neighbors from the block started to join in, each bringing their delicious home-cooked food to share with all of us. Tim and Lisa, our neighbors who have just moved to the neighborhood, brought their specialty - curry chicken!

“Raja, Ah Beng! Over here,” I exclaimed when I spotted them. “I can't believe another year has passed, “ shared Ah Beng. “Yeah, I remember it rained so heavily last year when we were walking around with lanterns!” added Raja. “I hope the weather will be good tonight!” I laughed.

We all ate to our hearts content and had so much fun walking around the garden with our lanterns and sparklers. The night was cooling and everyone was cheery. Time flies when you're having fun. Soon, it was time to go home. All of us helped to remove the decoration, cleaned up the pavilion and made sure that we left no litter behind. We strolled back to our houses happily afterwards.