Poems for My Sons

Author: Justin Choong

  • 2 April 2026, 8.40PM

    When you were little
    You woke so much through the night
    It was almost like
    you knew you had only just made it into the universe
    and needed to keep checking that we were there
    that you were really here in the world with us

    So many midnights transitioned into dawn
    Dozy and dazed from the day you were born
    Cozy and cloudy in our pillowy room
    Seeking comfort in mummy’s cuddles and croons
    In a blink of an eye it would all be over soon…

    These days you climb yourself into your bed
    With many “I love you” whispers
    and kisses laid on your head
    I hold your hand gently as you drift off to sleep,
    all through the night without even a peep.

    Maybe now you trust
    that we’ll be there when you awaken,
    that we won’t ever leave you behind.
    Now I’m not sure what comes next
    but please,
    do take your time.

  • img_1438-1

    9 May 2026, 6.16AM

    Click.
    The white noise machine’s steady stream is silenced
    Little footsteps pad onto the floorboards
    Our bedroom door groans as it opens inwards
    Bedsheets ruffle as a creature climbs up and crawls onto the bed
    Plops himself down right between our heads
    And then it’s quiet in the darkness once again
    Just gentle breathing, out and in.




  • 25 February 2026, 7.10AM

    It must be fun
    Growing up Greek and Malaysian
    Still too young
    to get caught up in confusion

    My little Australasian.

    What an explosion of flavour!
    So many smells to savour
    Hainan chicken rice, nasi lemak, roti, various noodles in plates and bowls
    Yemista, feta, haloumi, spanakorizo and pastitsios

    Gold vasalopita coins bring luck in the new year
    Dancing lions usher more in also at the…start of the new year?

    Blessings with “tusso”‘s and “hronia polla”,
    But also with “ong lai” and vigorous “huat ah!”‘s
    Greetings with “yassou”, “ne, agori mou”,
    Thoughtful inquiries; “ciak pa le?” or simply, “ho, bo?”

    Some mornings begin with “bangun pagi, gosok gigi”
    Brushing alongside dad, just like so
    Some evenings end wriggling with glee,
    Pappoú tickling and singing “páei lagós na piei neró”

    I really hope it isn’t all too much
    Other times instead I feel so out of touch
    Do I know and will I pass down enough?

    Then I hear that beautiful laugh.

    Which swings me back to reality
    With a little more clarity
    Proud of your multi-dimensional identity!

    East and West
    Neither is best
    We’re just so blessed

    Two ancient, powerful pillars
    On which your balancing beam rests.



  • 6 April 2026, 9.11PM

    The End of a Day Spent With My 3-Year Old

    I’m squatting on a step stool in the dark, my bum going numb
    Next to my son comfortably tucked in, taking his time to succumb
    My hands keep my head from rolling off onto the floor
    Just biding the right moment to make for the door
    My brain is failing and my back is so sore
    I’ve lost count of my coffees since the first one at four
    This afternoon at the beach you lost your shoe
    When while showering you threw it as I was telling you not to
    My patience has been thusly tested I don’t know how many times
    I don’t know how I’ve managed to not lose my mind
    I don’t think I had ever imagined feeling this fried
    Don’t think I could become more tired if I tried
    I’m just so ready now to collapse into bed
    It’s a whole new meaning now, to feel exhausted
    This time tomorrow will probably be the same
    The crazy thing is,
    I gladly do it all over again.

  • 29 March 2026, 7.49AM

    I shan’t move
    I won’t budge
    Not to fudge
    this rest you’ve found

    Not a sound
    Not a creak
    Not to break
    this gentle sleep

    Keep it deep
    Just sink in
    All wrapped up tight

    Sweet dreams,
    Good night.