Jewel 'Unjeweled'
Read Jessica Teo-Kang's poem about a historic corner of Singapore, where heritage endures even as its stories fade.
Last updated 8 September 2026
Jewel 'Unjeweled'
by Jessica Teo-Kang
Adorned with significance, the glory of your wee past
Your charm remains to this day
Inviting but aloof
Like a jewel, tucked in a corner of this tiny island
Having traversed time, you are named after the prominent
Your lowly districts
Given to promiscuous occupations
How the weak bowed to the strong
In all fairness, your heritage preserved
Your stories slightly perished
Your hope of glory continues
As we live to re-invent them ourselves…