Riding the Waves
(I composed this poem while drifting on the sea upon the ship ‘Lady of the South Sea ')

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The moon is clothed in darkness on this cold night
The stormy sea stretches endlessly
Alone I drift on this vast ocean,
my heart racing at the terror within.

The bitter cold rends me seasick;
my throat arid, my stomach empty -
for six days and seven long nights to Malaysia
all for the hope of freedom.

For freedom,
nothing else is important to me.
Riches and lovers –
everything else withers in contrast.

For three meals and freedom,
I left my family and friends
thousands of miles behind for Malaysia
all for the hope of freedom.