EX-RULER’S DAUGHTER PENS POEM
Late Sultan of Kedah’s youngest daughter bids emotional farewell
TAN Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Sultan Abdul Halim penned a special ode, which she dedicated to her father the late Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah.
In the poem titled An Ode to Papa, the Tunku Temenggong Kedah recalled memories she shared with her father during his 59-year tenure as the Sultan of Kedah.
The youngest daughter of the late Sultan Abdul Halim also shared the private moment that she had with her father on the morning just before he passed away. She described how Sultan Abdul Halim had held her hand tightly as if bidding farewell to her on that Monday morning.
“For the King who lived with this quiet respect, thank you to all, my gratitude now a debt,” she wrote.
Sultan Abdul Halim, 89, passed away at Istana Anak Bukit at 2.30pm on Monday.
AN ODE TO PAPA
Sept 11, in the early noon
A day I have dreaded had come all too soon
The air seemed calm, but the clocks stood still
For He has gone it did not seem real
Our King has returned to Allah, they mourn
By all those who loved him as one of their own
To them he is and will always be
The people’s Sultan and King, not just Father to me You said your goodbye with dignity and calm
You held my hand with strength after dawn
You are now with God forever to rest
This is still a concept too raw to process
For He was our guide, pillar and compass
For my sister and I and our family he helped us
As father and grandfather he always stood tall
A brother, an uncle and role model for all
Bright smiles and laughter for now they still grate
But it was not their hearts they felt break
No more shared meals and views to refer
No stories recalled, no facts to confer
The tributes and honour paid by Kings and Queens
Words of farewell, memories reflected in reams
The flags are now all at half-mast
Remembering the man, the King that has passed
“I have done my best” always something he said
To lead not by words but by things that he did
Three hundred times a year he’d commit
For the people, the children there was never a quit
For the 59 years and King he was twice
Showed that Kingship was not pomp and circumstance
‘Twas a privilege with a high price to pay
A life of service and humility each day
To all those that came from so far and near
Who prayed for this man that they hold so dear
For the King who lived with this quiet respect
Thank you to all, my gratitude now a debt
I will not ask to turn off the lights
I will not walk into that dark night,
I will carry you now and remember your smile
With it, walk on that extra mile Stripes are left once the tiger departs,
Sultan Abdul Halim will remain in our hearts
Good night sweet prince, your day is now done
We come from Allah and we Return to the One.
Al Fatihah