CONCORDANCE

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RHYTHMS

from the collection of Raymond Kwok

 
 
Tek Gar Kee, Mor Hor Chee 
 

Or What a Nyonya bride should be
 
 

Tek Gar Kee,
Mor Hor Chee,
Choe Lung Sim Poo,
But Toe Li,
Arm arm K'oon,
Char Char K'i,
Say T'au,
Buah Hoon,
Tiam Ean Chee,
Jip Chow K'ar,
Say Wah Tee,
Jip Tua T'ian,
Ch'eng To Ee,
Jip Pang Lai,
Siew Chiam Chi,
O Lo Hian,
O Lo Tee,
O Lo Chin Keh Ch'ehn Emh,
Gow Ka Si.

Translation

Dried beancurd,
Sweet flour cakes,
A daughter-in-law must
know how to behave,
Goes to sleep late,
Rises early,
Combs her hair,
Powders her face,
Dabs on lipstick,
Enters the kitchen,
Washes the dishes,
Enters the hall,
Dusts the furniture,
Enters the room,
Sews embroidery,
Speaks well of elders
Speaks well of juniors,
Praises to our in-laws,
For having brought her up so well.

 

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