I am a retired radiographer originally from Singapore, who migrated to Australia in 1977. Since my retirement, my interest in writing poetry has been rekindled, along with other hobbies such as photography and playing music.
In July, I was picking up my wife after her SQ 279 flight from Singapore. And as I was watching her flight’s progress on Flight Radar 24, I had an inspiration to write a poem, titled ‘Similar in Age’ (below) – the common thread that both Singapore Airlines and I have is that both of us are celebrating our 70th birthday this year.
Similar in Age
1947 we emerged
Same location in the tropics
But you started flying from day one…
Me 28 years later
Not with you but someone cheaper
Got me to London and back
though somewhat riskier.
Between the coconut trees
I watched you fly in the early days
With a flying tiger on your nose
and the drone of the DC 3
and just like your fame how it rose.
70 years later
I’m still watching you
With headlights piercing the dawn skies
above the briny horizon
on your final approach
Most times early very seldom late
Welcome SQ 279
Runway 05 Adelaide
Since childhood, I have been a keen aeroplane spotter growing up in a kampung (traditional village) in Upper Serangoon, very close to Paya Lebar Airport. I used to watch the then-Malayan Airways DC 3 buzz overhead either during takeoff or landing. These days, where I live in Hallett Cove in South Australia, I can watch the paths of the aircraft landing – when the approach is over the sea – or when taking off from Adelaide Airport, depending on wind directions.
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This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
