Entries 26
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"WELCOMING 2018"
When I was a kid, I thought welcoming New Year’s Eve was something fun. Trumpets, fireworks, music and dances, people gathering…you name it. Staying up until the next morning light had made me fe...
"AN UNSENT LOVE LETTER TO NIKOTOPIA: The Memory About A Beautiful Soul"
Hey, Nik. I never thought that days like this would also come into my life. I thought we’d still have another chance to see each other again. You’d asked me about my second novel for so many time...
Our parents live close by in the same neighbourhood. We’ve grown up together. Just like me, you knew how it felt to have two siblings. The differences? Your brother is the eldest and almost the s...
"36: ABOUT PAST BIRTHDAYS AND NOW"
“Bibi, where’s the cake?” asked my little niece Gira on the fourth of November. “We should sing a ‘Happy Birthday’.” “Aww, honey. I’m afraid there’s no cake like that for tonight,” I gently told ...
"MY VERY SHORT ENCOUNTER WITH THE BEAUTY PAGEANT QUEEN"
For a very long time, probably most of my early life, I’ve never really cared for any beauty pageant contests. If you look at me, you’ll probably assume that it has something to do with the fact ...
To my dear expatriate friends in Indonesia, I am writing this to let you know what I have been feeling for so long. You see, I love hanging out with you. I love making friends with many people. T...
"HOW ODD: Invisible Pain is Always The Hardest"
How odd, isn’t it? You learn something about yourself from pain. When you were still a toddler, your mother took you to a clinic for a vaccination. You don’t remember much, but she said you’d alw...
"CLOSE TO DESPERATE MEASURES..."
I know I still have enough money to last for this month and at least half of the next. However, I’ve got to keep moving on. I’ve got to keep making more money - either through full-time, part-tim...
"TO THE FIGHTERS AND SUPPORTERS"
This message goes out to all of you, fighters and supporters who have been strong and patient enough - no matter how hard: Thank you. Thank you very much for sharing your stories last night. We o...
"I CAN'T WRITE? WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT?"
Disagreeing is one thing, while gaslighting is another. Constructive criticism is much more helpful than just plain accusation. I love writing. I really, really do. I don’t just write for the sak...
"ABOUT FRIENDSHIP: Through Time, Changes, and Social Media"
When was the last time you really spent some quality time with your old friends? We all know that through time, changes, and social media, some friendships stay the same while others change - eit...
"WHAT YOU REALLY MISS"
Sometimes, you don’t really miss the job. It’s the colleagues that you miss. Well, at least most of them. theendoftheworkcontract R.
"ABOUT HIM"
Alright, I’m just going to be short about him. Reveal him too much and there’ll be dire consequences to that. (I mean it.) I met ‘Ash’ at a poetry event. After a few occasions, he started asking ...
"WHY I HAVEN'T WRITTEN MUCH AND ABOUT MY OWN LIFE LATELY..."
I’m aware that I haven’t really written much and about my own life lately here. It’s been a very long time and a lot of things are happening all at once. Honestly, for the past three months or so...
"HOPES AND WISHES VERSUS ACCEPTING REALITY"
“I just want you to always be alright and happy.” “I hope you’re okay.” “I always have good wishes for you.” Don’t they sound sweet and endearing? They make you feel loved, eh? At first, that is ...
"MOMMY, I'M SCARED!"
Mommy, I’m scared We’ve talked about this before briefly, but I was still being straight to the point that worries you more Mommy, I’m still scared I still can’t tell the difference between a mon...
"YOU DON'T HAVE TO HIT HER TO HURT HER"
You don’t have to hit her to hurt her. There are so many ways to cause her pain and you only need to take your pick. You can start by not keeping your vow that you will always love her, no matter...
Last year on the first day of Eid, I did something pretty drastic and rather unorthodox. While most people would usually decorate their Facebook timelines with “Eid Mubarak” greetings and all tha...
This is probably nothing new. Still annoying? Sad but true. The fact is, there are some people we should never waste time and energy arguing with. Why? No, it’s not because they’re always right o...
"A TEMPERAMENTAL GIRL IN LOVE?"
I don’t know if you consider this good news or bad news. I don’t even know how to tell you this. All I know is that she keeps on bugging me. That’s right, she’s been on my case since she first me...
"A MIRACLE OR A SIMILAR TROUBLE?"
The Ex-Guardian of The Isolated Castle has never asked for any of this. Once again, this happened and her friends have cheered for her. They consider it a miracle. After a while, Love has started...
"SITTING AT THE SAME TABLE WITH YOU"
I want a lot of things in the world. I want good things, like: joy, peace, safety, and comfort for all of us here. Nobody wants anything bad. Nobody does, unless it gains them some benefits I hav...
"THE FAMILIAR, ENVELOPING DARKNESS"
This feels familiar. The Ex-Guardian of The Isolated Castle has sensed it before. In fact, so many times that she lost count. It’s that familiar, enveloping darkness again. Back then, it came int...
It’s always good to exchange news with people you know. However, we know that oftentimes, one thing still leads to another. What you believe a well-meaning advice or suggestion may sound intrusiv...
"ABOUT HER SMILE"
“You always smile. How come you manage to look happy most of the time?” The Ex-Guardian of The Isolated Castle looked up. It was one of the young poets sitting with her in the hall. The boy looke...
Book Description
THE WORDPLAY WARRIOR:
I’ve decided to brand myself this way. Why ‘The Wordplay Warrior’? At first, I was inspired by a fellow writer. He dubs himself ‘The Wordplay Wizard’.
Yes, that’s how I came up with this name. Why ‘Warrior’? I’m still struggling. It’s still a serious challenge to be a professional writer here, what with:
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The high illiteracy level in my country.
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The expensive reading access (although yes, there are free online stuff here. However, not many people still have free access to internet, so…there.)
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Lack of encouragement and censorship issues. For example: “Don’t be too smart. You’re a woman. Men will feel intimidated by you.” (Ugh. How sexist and disgusting.)
How about the limitation of expressions here? No, I’m not saying that you can bitch all you like about some people online, just because you don’t like them personally.
I’m talking about denying the bitter, dark part of reality and fake happiness through censorship. Nothing’s wrong. Everything’s fine.
Yeah, right.
THE EX-GUARDIAN OF THE ISOLATED CASTLE:
The death of The Great King of The Isolated Castle has long changed her. It’s been three years and she’s still out on her own. Living and surviving alone.
Until when? Good question.
She still refuses to return and it’s not that she doesn’t love The Other Remaining Residents. Well, at least most of them.
So, what will become of The Ex-Guardian of The Isolated Castle?
R.
