Ferns of Tioman

FERNS OF TIOMAN
by Mat Atahari

A thousand autumns ago on the banks of lake Tioman
My stalk arisen to the calling of the Sun
Brought into this life
With winds above our seeds
Speculation ran rife
Of my forefather’s deeds

A thousand autumns ago on the banks of lake Tioman
I, descendant of Phyllitis, the first of the seven sons
Mere ferns we are not
But enemies of parasites
Loyal to foliage
Protector of rights

A thousand autumns ago on the banks of lake Tioman
We defended these rocks with our roots, our freedom front
Defender of truth
For this soil is free
For all its inhabitants
From giants to the bees

A thousand autumns ago on the banks of lake Tioman
Man is ruinous to the riches of this land
Ravaging the woods
Piercing the sea
Robbing nutrients and livelihood
As far as eyes can see

….

A thousand autumns ago on the banks of lake Tioman
For as long as we shall remain as part of this grant
Our labor of love
Slave to the land
To the heavens above
Ferns till the end

.

The End