Now I Know Why Poem by john tiong chunghoo

now i know why late dad
was farting uncontrollably
in bed every morn
when i was a toddler
the intestines had gone loose,
dad missing his sway
over his constituents

now i know why neighbour's
late dad always walked
down the stairs, so slowly
especially at the steps
though he smiled
- when i was a child

now i know why mom had
held my wrists so tight
while on the way to the market
for the veggies, fish and pork
- eleven children down the line
had taken its toll on her four foot two frame

now i know why all mummies, grannies,
aunties and uncles had never stopped
drumming into me health advice

i have become one too