A glance through the content page of Hsien Min’s latest collection of poetry reveals titles of poems that were distinctly Singaporean. ‘Hungry Ghost Month’, ‘Durians’, ‘Tiong Bahru’ immediately screamed “Singapore!” as well-known symbols of our culture. Other titles such as ‘Birth of the Modern City State’ and ‘Printing Money’ hints at political and economical undertones also linked to Singapore culture.
As this is a Singaporean Studies Literature module, I zoomed in on these poems to give us a glimpse at how this Singapore poet portrays Singapore in his art.
Hsien Min’s poems portray personas that feel strongly for Singapore culture and belonging. However, while such Singaporean-ness is acknowledged, it also provides the perspective of a younger generation who has been modernized and distanced from the traditional Singapore culture. This is clear in ‘Hungry Ghost Month’, especially. As a newly introduced reader to Hsien Min’s work and Singapore literature, this provides an aspect that is fully relatable and not too foreign to comprehend. I am sure such feelings are shared among most of the younger generations in Singapore as well.
As presumed at first glance, poems such as ‘Birth of the Modern City State’ and ‘Printing Money’ did in fact, provide historical glimpses on politics and economy in Singapore. ‘Birth of the Modern City State’ showed political and structural movements in Singapore, especially the time of mass movements of Singapore citizens to HDB flats. A common remark heard in Singapore households, “ do you think I print money?” used by parents to chastise their spendthrift children is addressed in ‘Printing Money’. Such phrase and historical links distinguishes Hsien Min as a Singaporean writer, much influenced by Singaporean culture and history.
While not an avid reader of poetry, I found ‘Means to an End’ an enjoyable read. Hsien Min’s style is fluid, where his ideas are presented to be read almost like a story with long unending lines with carefully chosen language that were emblematic of cohesive themes.
Min, T. H. (2008). Means to an End. Singapoe: Landmark Books Pte Ltd.
