Our Song

Go and catch a falling star,

Or lie under a jeweled sky,

Tell me, where you are,

And I will journey till I find,

That I hold you in my arms,

That I'm lost again in your charms.

If you have to fly away from me,

For ten thousand days and nights,

To a continent beyond the sea,

Where you will see strange sights,

Promise, that when you return,

You will tell me all in turn.

Most of all, tell me that you reminisce,

Despite the thrills and the land's beauty,

Tell me that you deeply miss,

The love that awaits you across the sea,

And it's me your every thought will be,

Whenever you count to one, two, three.

Happy anniversary, Deario. This poem is written for you, the true love of my life. May time speed us till the day you're back for good again. Till then, know that my heart is with you in Aussie.

The soft places..

This morning, when the sky was still dark, I woke up crying. I had dreamt of my beloved and me standing at the airport custom, saying our farewells.

Before this point in time, I had not really picture her imminent departure from my life. Always the optimist, I had thought of this new chapter of my life with both apprehension and curiousity . Like a child negotiating a turn on a foreign street, curious of what he would find on the other side, I had somewhat anticipated the change. Perhaps like a foolish poet, I had even romanticised our seperation.

But this day, in my dreams, I saw her leaving. I remember hugging her tightly and repeatedly making her promise that she would stay safe in the unfamiliar land. My advice had been common-sensical, but I said it over and over again because there is a trace of comfort in thinking that my words will keep her safe. For the first time since I knew of her eventual departure, the gravity of it descended upon me. I felt the solitude of living life apart from her intensely and I suffered acutely within.

When I woke up, the tears wouldn't stop streaming down my cheeks. I haven't cried in a long time. I used to think sadness is one of the most tiring emotions. Today I remember how true that is.

The last entry

The Lioncourts may very well be called "The Vanity Fair". I've alwaes known it for wat it really was--the pride of life. Finally, I've the obedience and courage to surrender tis area of my life to God. Goodbye and see u around. -Lionel waves wifout looking back and walks off on a long, dusty road in the sunset.-

-THE END-

Blast fr the past! III

Lionel walked slowly through the path. Tis is his favourite part of the Lioncourts garden; tis is where the ancient and great oaks shelter the path wif their embracing canopy, allowing only the distilled rays of a curious sun to peer through the leaves. The sky was a clear turquoise, an evening colour, even though it was still premature for dusk to set in.

Lionel walked wif his head bowed, he had much to comtemplate tis day. He thought about the changes going on around him, both in his life and in the lives of his friends. Everyone seemed to be preoccupied wif some new event, some turning point, knowing someone new or renewing knowledge of someone known.

"A season of change, indeed." As Lionel brooded, he watched the fallen leaves gathered near his feet, whirled in eratic circles, n then launched suddenly in one direction. "Who's to say where the wind will take u? Who's to say if life will break u? I dunno which way the wind will go.."

..But i do know tis old song, n it is to the broken-hearted n the fearful tt i sing it again tonite.


Untitled

When you’re drown in misery recall,
Recall that I will never let you fall.
Close your eyes and I will take you far behind,
Behind of your mind where your troubles lie.
Cos the world is wide but we stay inside,
Inside of our clan where everyone else too reside.

Have you ever heard the song of waves,
Waves singing melodies within coastal caves?
Have you ever laid upon endless plains,
Plains lined with hills and rolling trains?
Have you ever soared above the stormy clouds,
Clouds which hide silver linings to every doubt?

Have you ever imagined me in your dreams?
Like you were in mine,
Through life’s greatest themes.

Memory

After my midnight jog, I got myself a cup of noodles from a 7-Eleven store n settled down at the foot of an overhead bridge to eat. Apart from the last lingering couples sitting ard speaking in hushed voices, the pavements were void. In the homes around me, the remaining lights were going out one by one as the nite advanced. Once again, Sengkang was mine alone. It was mine to roam n to sing freely in. The nite seemed timeless, n the duties of the day, far away. A wind was rising n it moaned down the eternal streets, beckoning to me to make a trip. Yet my path tonite was one less travelled, i took a walk down Memory Lane.

__________

She was not a dazzling beauty; v few men passing her in the streets would linger their gaze on her; v few women would regard her wif tt attentive, flaw-finding scrutiny which a beauty often receives. To her acquaintances, her blitheness n unrestrained, rowdy laughter often cause them to decide tt she lacked a certain feminine charm, n render her incapable of sweetness or emotional weakness. Indeed, her strong sense of self-possession n her reservation towards casual revealing of her innermost thoughts and feelings added to tis impression. However, to those of us who r dearest to her, those of us who r blessed wif deeper understanding of her: she is the gentlest of girls—not in manner or appearance, but rather, in thoughts n acts of kindness for others. When u really knew her, when she spoke freely to u—then, her thoughtfulness, her caring heart n her sensitivity impressed u indescribably. Such were the qualities which inspired many of her guy friends to confide in her when they would confide in no one else.

Those days, when she was by my side, were beautiful days. But on a few days, there were the occasional dark clouds which passed by the sunshone plains upon which we laid in unreflecting happiness. She, in her sensitivity, was often hurt in her dealings wif the world. I was unable to be a source of a comfort at those miserable moments; giving her practical solutions which she can invent herself, rather than the empathy n consolation she sought. The result was tt i ended up feeling helpless while she, deprived of my understanding, felt more miserable than before.

There were still other times when i infected the pure heart tt loved me wif anguish. At tis moment, i deliberately steer my remembrances from those regretful times, being more willing to dwell on those better n purer memories of her. The first little presents—innocent girlish letters—which she passed to me at school; the sweet days of our dating whenever the Army restored to me my freedom; the endless messages of longing which passed between us whenever tt freedom was withheld, were tugging fast n fondly at my thoughts tonight…

__________

The wind had not decrease in strength as I tottered back home. How drearily it was moaning! It seemed, at tt moment, to be wailing over me; to be wailing over the couples; to be wailing over all mortal things! As i, absorbed in my thoughts, passed by a group of loitering teenagers, one of them turned around n taunted me. I did not look back but walked on.

Not tonight, not while my world is filled wif tender thoughts of her. In fact, not ever, as surely as God lives.

Elimidate

Wait! Dun go, dun-- hey come back.. come bacckkkkk!

Ok, ok, enuff of the Magic: the Gathering crap, im losing social circles fast. Tis week let's hav a gameshow, sounds great? Wifout further ado.. -drums rolling- let's welcome the host, SIR LIONCOURT! -claps n cheers-

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank u! Thank u! GRRREAT to see u guys back again after one week, welcome back to ELIMIDATE! -more claps n cheers- Well, the exam period aint much fun wifout my handsome mug, aint it? -flashes a glittering smile. a couple of ladies in the audience faint- Anyway, we're back n tt's wat counts. Tis week on Elimidate, we have 4 VERY interesting contestants. They r none other than the 3 brothers fr the notorious SKOF n their church fren! -the contestants walk onto the stage. the crowd roars- Ok, ok, calm down, we all know how cool these guys r rite, but hey aren't u a bit over-reacting? -a lady flings her panties at the SKOF member wif the shaved head- ...Right.

AND THE CONTESTANTS R:
(NOTE: the contestants do not wish for their off-screen lives to be disrupted n thus we hav to protect their identities.)


The Lamester: Pxxshx
The Idiot: Lioxxl
The Poet: Jxxgyu
The Stoner: Alxx
(Top left to bottom right)

Ahem, ahem.. looks like we slipped wif Jxxgyu's photo but hey, the guy looks better wif thick eyebrows, rite? Hahaha...ha..

Tonite, the guys will try to win the heart of a v special girl. Not only is she a pretty face, she has some pretty hot personal history. -reads fr a piece of note- "Won American Idol season 1. Was supermodel for Vogue. Was Ms Jamaica in 1950--" -pauses- ...Ms Jamaica? ...1950?? -looks at the audience, looks at the note again, n calmly crushes the piece of paper- Hahaha.. who cares bout personal history when the lady has got the looks n the body rite? Take a look a the screen!

AND THE HEART TO MELT TONITE IS:
(NOTE: Identity-protection measures enabled.)

The Sweetheart

Ms Caxxie

Haha.. not exactly v photogenic, eh? Well.. we all hav our MINOR flaws so let's not be too critical.. haha.. Wat was tt? She's fat? -sweating profusely- I guess the paperbag does make her seem a TAD larger on the horizontal side haha.. -boos fr the audience r heard- hey, hey, but she's a pretty face ok! Pretty face! -raising a hand in dignity-

Let's get started already. U all know the rules, the guys will try to win The Sweetheart's heart by coming up wif a pick-up line each n she'll award a point to the guy wif the line she likes most. Tis will carry on for 3 rounds n at the end of it, The Sweetheart will go on a hot date wif the guy wif the most points. Once again, ladies n gentlemen, welcome to ELIMIDAAAATE!! -claps n cheers. the Elimidate theme song blasts in the background-

ROUND 1

The setting is a ballroom, it is the company's annual Dinner & Dance. Ms Caxxie goes out to the balcony for a breather. She sips her champagne while admiring the starlit nite-sky. The guys will take turns to approach her wif a pick-up line, hoping to end up wif a date..

Pxxshx:
Hey babe, wanna get LUCKY!?

Lioxxl:
Bond. James Bond.

Jxxgyu:
Babe, ya beauty makes the morning sun look like the dull glimmer of the moon.

Alxx:
So, you're a girl huh?

The results:
Jxxgyu receives 1 point
Alxx receives 1 sheepish stare
Right on target, Jxxgyu scores. Looks like poetry still does the job in melting the hearts of ladies on romantic occasions, eh?

ROUND 2

It is the great outdoors tis time. Ms Caxxie sits outside her tent n reads a romance novel in the dancing glow of the campfire. The music of nature n a light breeze forms the perfect setting for the guys to approach the lady..

Pxxshx:
Was ya father an alien? Becos there's nothing like u on Earth!

Lioxxl:
-Lioxxl goes up to the girl n says- Let me tell you a story: there was a frog on tis side of the mountain -places his finger on her left shoulder- N n there was a frog on tis side of the mountain -places his finger on her right shoulder. then he says- Nvm, tt was a stupid story any way. -While his right finger is still behind the girl on her right side, Lioxxl just put his arm ard her n leaves it there..-

Jxxgyu:
Do u hav a map? I jus keep getting lost in ya eyes.

Alxx:
I'm not trying to pick u up. U're like too heavy. Huh huh huh huh. Get it?

The results:
Lioxxl receives 1 point
Jxxgyu receives 1 yawn
Alxx receives 1 tight slap
Damn, tt was cunning! Lioxxl really lived up to the title of "SKOF leader". Oops, looks like The Poet needs a change of strategy, she's getting bored! Haha, gd joke there Alxx, jus not sure wat u're trying to achieve.

ROUND 3

The final scenario. Ms Caxxie is sitting alone at the counter of a jazz pub. One of her hand supports her face while the other stirs the straw of her Aussie Kate in a bored fashion. Its now or never for the guys..

Pxxshx:
U know the more i drink, the prettier u get!

Lioxxl:
Hey babe, how bout a pizza n a kiss? -slap- HEY! Wat's wrong, dun u like pizza?

Jxxgyu:
My love for you is like diaharrea, I just can't hold it in.

Alxx:
Ok, so I came over here to ask you to dance, but I'm kind of concerned. I mean, we could hit it off really well, end up having a few drinks, next thing you know u're giving me ya number becos I'm too shy to ask for it, I finally get up the nerve to call n we take in a movie, hav some dinner, I relax, you relax, we go out a few more times, get to know each other's friends, spend a lot of time tog, then a few months later get married. N finally we hav get past tis sexual tension n really develop tis intense sex life that is truly incredible, decide our relationship is solid n stable, so we move in tog for a while, I get a promotion, u get a promotion, we buy a bigger house. U really want kids, but I really want freedom, but we hav a kid anyway, only to find that I m resentful, the sparks start to fade n to rekindle them we hav two more lovely kids, but now I work too much to keep up with the bills, hav no time 4 u, u're stressed n stop taking really good care of yaself, so to get past our slow sex life n my declining self-confidence I blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah...................

The results:
Everyone receives a tight slap
Ms Sweetheart storms off the stage
Hey come back! Come baccckkkkk! -Sir Lioncourt glances at the seething audience n forces a smile- Hahaha.. well tt's all for today n-- WOAH! Stop throwing-- no dun hit me, OUCH! Not on my handsome face!! HEEEELP!!

-The curtain falls n the credits start to roll-

THE END

Welcome to the Jungle, Part III

Even the goblins shun tis haunted place,
where the tree limbs twist in agony
n the ground seems to scuttle under my feet...

There is no turning back, I swallowed hard n placed one trembling foot into the dark heart of the wood...

Round 4: Enchanted garden VS Widow-maker

N my first opponent is.. Widow-maker, the deck which was put thru the trials of the Jungle jus 2 weeks ago. It did well, a survivor wif a 12-6 record. Widow-maker is a black-blue combo deck built ard the nightmare card, living death. PS' enchantment deck has faced it 6 times in the past n lost the match on 4 of the encounters. Not v gd news for Enchanted Garden.

First blood was drawn v quickly. Knowing tt no deck has ever faced a resolved living death n recover to win the game, i attacked wif my tundra wolves every turn, hoping to defeat my oppo b4 he can cast his key spell. In return, he hit me back wif bloodpet each turn as well. I was able to get 2 opal champions onto the table later. The game went on wif us dealing each other 1 damage every turn wif our critters. He didnt dare to cast any spells for fear of awakening my slumbering champions but i couldnt cast any spells successfully either due to his interfering counterspells. As the turns passed one by one wifout any of us gaining the upper edge, i began to worry, for the shadow of living death loomed closer than ever.

Finally, i managed to get another tundra wolves into play n tt sped up the game. The oppo reacted by casting 3 creas of his own in e following turn, one of which is a man-o-war which bounced back to my hand one of my awakened opal champions (damn!). Not long after tt, things went extremely bleak when he casted the dreaded living death. Of cos, he was grinning ear to ear as he surveyed his crowded side of the table n the empty side of mine.

When all hope seemed lost, i drew an argothian enchantress n an enchantress presence. Both cards allowed me to replenish the creas i lost n enabled me to keep alive. Slowly, i even managed to turn the tide of the battle in my favour. Later, the oppo played a fallen angel, which set me on a one turn doomsday clock as he had enuff sacrifices for the angel. I would hav lost if not for a pacifism sitting in my hand. As it is, Enchanted Garden prevailed n is the FIRST deck to survive a resolved living death!

Final life: 15-0
MVP cards: argothian enchantress, enchantress' presence, pacifism
junk cards: opal champion

The champions were trash.. the whole useless lot of the opal cohort in fact.. im damn pissed tt they sat ard n did nothing. If i had 2 other creas instead of the pair of opal champions, i might hav been able to win the match even b4 living death hits.

On the other hand, the enchantress engines proved to be incredible again. Their ability enabled me to draw 16 cards in total n i won wif a full hand. Perhaps i should add in empyrial armor to utilise my large hand in the future.

Round 5: Enchanted garden VS Merfolk

Man, the oppos jus get tougher n tougher. Tis time Enchanted Garden faced off wif ex-elder legend, Merfolk deck! Merfolk deck hoses a kind of spell which enchantment decks r particularly afraid of. Tts rite, bounce spells. As u know, whenever a crea returns to his/her owner's hand, the enc on it goes to the graveyard.

The action was v intense. By the 3rd turn, both me n my oppo had our trump cards in play. I had an argothian enchantress n a river boa while he had a lord of atlantis plus 2 other merfolks.
VS

Almost as quick as the action began, it ended soon enuff. The oppo casted another lord of atlantis n 2 more merfolk, making short work of Enchanted garden. The first defeat! Oh, how I grimaced at the lost of my perfect record.. but then again, wat can u expect when u encounter an ex-elder legend? Merfolk deck was truly efficient n fast.

Final life: 0-20 (yes, i didn't even scratch him)
MVP cards: ... (like i said, i didn't even scratch him)
junk cards: rabid wombat, opal champion

There were a number of 3 n 4 casting cost cards in my hand when i lost, Enchanted Garden is simply not fast enuff to match the speed of weenie decks. Also, the deck needs more spells which deals wif the oppo's creas. I need to go back to the drawing board.

Round 6: Enchanted garden VS Honden-control

Honden-control is a blue-red deck which splashes black n white for their hondens. Tis deck is a control deck as its name suggests , n a combo deck as well. The heart of tis deck's strategy lies in its jokulhaups-honden combo. Jus like when dealing wif Widow-maker, I mustn't let the game drag.

Early in the game, i tried to enchant tundra wolves wif armadillo cloak but was foiled by my oppo who incinerated my wolves n caused the cloak to fizzle. I had a REALLY bad hand tis match, for i had lands n an opal champion n nothing else. It was hopeless, my opal champion would never trigger for honden-ctrl has no creas. In the end, i did nothing for 7 consecutive turns n watched the oppo set up his game. Tis has got to be the WORST match ever..

In the end, the oppo cleared the table, wif a sweeping jokulhaups, of everything except his 3 hondens. Wif them, he was dealing 3 dam, gaining 6 life n drawing 3 additional cards every turn. Enchanted Garden never recovered fr tt jokulhaups.

Final life: 0-35
MVP cards: none
junk cards: opal champion (again..)

Im so definitely removing the opal army for gd.. if i dun, i aint the handsome leader of SKOF.. Replacing them wif more weenies will help me in matches against control decks.

The verdict

Faced wif stronger decks, the 3-0 run became 4-2, which was more realistic for a rookie deck. Lots of adjustments have to be made, but adhering to the rule i set, i will only change 5 cards at any one time. Wifout hesitating:

-2 opal champion
-2 opal caryatid
-1 rabid wombat
+2 pacifism
+1 tragic poet
+1 tundra wolves
+1 empyrial armor

Im taking out the rabid wombat to speed up the deck. Often by the time it comes into play, most of the enc hav been already used on my other creas. 4 casting cost is simply too much for the wombat's abilities. I would hav replaced the wombat wif yavimaya enchantress except tt i hav none. As realised fr the match wif Merfolk, i need more spells which deal wif creas. Pacifism is a natural choice, it's being an enc means tt i can draw a card whenever i cast it. The addition of empyrial armor was becos i wanted to take adv of the many instances when i hav a large hand. The only doubt i hav about tt card is its 2 white mana requiremt.

Wif these drastic changes, im eager to see how Enchanted Garden does. Within the dark heart of the wood, there r only 2 more oppo left. To go any higher will be to challenge the elder legends themselves.. is Enchanted Garden worthy of tt?

Next up: light at the end of the Jungle