Metamorphosis

Politicians double up as salons

Offering makeovers.

If today you ask a city its name,

It will look into your eyes seductively 

And ask, "What do you want it to be?

I could be Shanghai, 

Or are you in the mood for Singapore?"

And though you know 

That while the grass on your side is burnt or stunted,

None grows on the other side,

You'll allow yourself to be coiled up and swallowed.

You'll want to take this one decision,

To end the pretence that you're the one taking the decisions;

You'll wish to do away with the stressful delusion of being in control,

Knowing you were the one being kept in control.

You'll give in gratefully

In that most vulnerable moment in the day,

When you're shivering, 

"Anywhere but here, anywhere but here."

First published in Singapore Poetry, 15 Jul 2016.