Something Serpentine

I glanced for the last time

at the ancient chinese pagoda;

the witness of all the laughters and tears

of my neighbors;

my fellow domestic workers,

and I felt that something serpentine...

A few footsteps on the right

parked the Mitsubishi;

my employer's car that I cleaned for three years...

Everything about it

was familiar

except that my stare was unusual...

and there came the vision of something serpentine...

then I pushed myself back home

I opened the gate with keys

I had used for three years

for the last time

I made my steps on the stairs

going to the first floor

and i stopped in front of the door

in an instant

that something serpentine

carried the three years of memories

I've spent on that place

and slowly (I know it's silly)...

tears started to form in my eyes

it took me a mountain of strength

to finally open the door

and there stood Sir

preparing to go to work

Yin and Ma'am were there as well

I wonder

if they were feeling that something serpentine

that kept on troubling me

I went to my room

with my empty backpack and luggage

each dress was hard to fold...

weighed heavy to put inside my suitcase

at past 4pm

when I had packed all my things

it was time to say  goodbye

I took my phone and dialed John

told him I was done packing

when I turned to Ma'am and handed over the phone

she talked to him ...

and said,"Take care of my girl"...

it crushed my heart..

when all the things had been said

Yin and Ma'am led me to the door

I gave my thanks and my final hug

with my luggage ready on the floor

full of unforgettable memories

as I made my way down the alley

I turned around

and what was used to be 

my house for three years

could no longer be seen 

by my clouded eyes

I made my last walk...

to another chapter of my life...

as a wife...

i gave my last look at the whole village

as I was moving away...

and I felt that something serpentine...

suddenly...

I whisper...

FAREWELL TSENG LAN SHUE.