To my uncle, who was a father figure and mentor, a counsellor and friend. He was also a poet at heart, and devoted his time to writing poems, one poem a day for a decade, compiled in a book.

They were all heartwarming poems, honest and reflected the teachings of Christ.

Waiting Out My Time

Just waiting out my time -
My days are clearly spelt out;
Now shall I go in triumph,
In blazing glory or a shout.

It's strange how age gets at you -
First the weakness, the fadeout;
The indignity of strength lost,
And the final long drawn bout.

You cry in your helplessness -
Would God let you off soon;
You pray for quick release,
But, how could you on God's presume.

God's prerogative isn't mine -
His time is not human time,
Could suff'ring add to His glory,
Could one's pain be made sublime?

Pain brings its own consequences -
Oh, the mind is racked with doubt.
So I pray for a speedy end,
Not one long-drawn, pain-filled bout.

- Tan Ngiap Liam, August 24 2009

Rest in peace, uncle liam.