whatever they see or touch
they ask you how much
whether it's a house or a hot-fudge
they ask you how much
whatever the object is small or large
they ask you how much
whatever the value, cheap or expensive
they ask you how much
are they curious or kay-po
only God knows
even when you present them a present
they ask you how much in your presence
as such
you must respect their guts
how much
it doesn't matter to you
but, it matters to them
in totals or in parts
whatever they see or touch
they ask you how much
how much
is used to measure identity
or accessibility
remains a puzzle to me
how much
is their curiosity at first sight
they see light
in how much
how much
indeed, is a necessity
for Singaporeans-at-large
& at heart!
Lin Hsin Hsin
August 2, 1991