LANDOWNER'S WIFE TO BUILDING CONTRACTOR

(Conversation in Singlish)
by Angeline Yap

Why like that?
A shrug. Like that is like that lor.
Hor? Like that ha?

His face is loud with thought.
What? You think I so free ah?
For nothing want to find trouble is it?

How can! Like this one, I very kek sim you know --
can change or not?
Resigned -- change, change lor, or else how?

She, balancing on espadrilles,
Well versed in Chablis and in Chardonay
adjusts shades, looks pleased to have gotten her way.
He, grimy, balancing chisel and handphone,
More acquainted with Tiger beer and ABC stout,
Could probably find a use for the word, "punctilious",
settles instead for mumbling the simple "why so neow!" instead.

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Come on, you know you want to say something.