There is something about being pioneers. People going into virgin territory, participating in a writing competition without any monetary incentive. People writing for pleasure, writing to relieve the writer’s itch.
There is a humility among these winners that I noted and appreciated. Perhaps Jasmina’s magic: her caring and embracing of differences that permeated the group. Perhaps it was also the lovely, hushed setting, all participants were very easy, relaxed and on their best behavior: contemplative, kind, thoughtful, considerate, giving, forgiving. Living in the moment. Experiencing. Tasting. Savoring life with quiet gratitude felt deep to the bones.
With that sense that none of us really deserves such a prize, we were humbled. I was humbled. This was this attitude I think I carried and the attitude I felt among the senior citizens there at The Chateau.
And in truth, we were more “senior citizens” than we were “winners of a competition.” Tan Sri’s generosity extended to spouses, partners, and friends. Everyone could bring a significant other, extending the group to twice its size. That magical size surfaced our shared condition and blurred our differences. It was a microcosm of what Malaysia can truly be. A Malaysia we all imagined and made manifest.
It was indeed a wonderful weekend which contributed to the building of a community through sitting at mealtimes and talking, listening, sharing. The long slow walks up to the Japanese Garden gave some of us time to get better acquainted. I think everyone felt less alone.
The Jasmina Awards is a great idea that I hope will not remain only among the affluent middle-class. It is evident that the winners all come from more than comfortable homes.
I certainly would like to take this opportunity to thank Jasmina for conceptualizing this “writing competition.” As an English instructor (and there are quite a few in this first group of winners), I buy into the idea that writing compels us to think clearly. Writing forces us to question our values and ourselves.
I also would like to thank Datin Sunita for her hand in all of this. She works hard to enable Diversity. More so when she herself recently suffered a terrible setback. Also to thank of course is Cindy. And finally Tan Sri Vincent Tan himself for extending the Chateau stay to all winners and not just the first place ones. It was indeed generous of him.
Written by Lim Soon Heng
Second Prize Winner
Journey Poem Category
Jasmina Awards 2019
Note: This a reflective piece written after the weekend stay at The Chateau, Bukit Tinggi together with the other winners of Jasmina Awards 2019. Click HERE to view pictures from the magical weekend.