The poem takes the reader through the monsoon period. Life in Malacca is described, and the time is about forty years ago when the Baba-Nyonya family traditions were closely observed. The traditional family atmosphere is full of warmth and security. The poem ends with a sense of peace and tranquility, and a suggestion of happy ending.
First Stanza
- The air is filled of moisture. It is about to rain.
- The wetness of the air supports all forms of life, including destructive pests.
Second Stanza
- It is divided into two parts-the shift from the garden to the place inside the home
Part One
- It is about to rain.
- The cloud are rolling in and darkness is setting in-rain is coming.
Part Two
- It is now an indoor scene - Inside the house
- The home is safe, secure environment - sitting at home and drinking
- Clear reference to the Baba-Nyonya customs and tradition - wearing sarong, counting silver paper for the dead, portraits of grandfather in the parlour.
Third Stanza
- The western and eastern influences are shown to be in harmony
- Reading poetry by Tennyson shoes western education (in contrast with the eastern tradition and upbringing - stanza 2)
- The presence of insects is in harmony with the environment
- Wearing pajamas and getting ready for bed
- Washing their feet before going to bed – traditional influence
- The time is six p.m. and it is raining outside
- The mother removes her traditional Nyonya clothing and uncoils her traditional knot of hair.
- The father is still outside at the beach, waiting for his fishermen to return from the sea
Fourth Stanza
- The monsoon is over – everything is calm
- There is peace and tranquility once again
Symbolic Meaning:
Life can be peaceful and secure if we have good family relationship, follow traditional and customs even if there are problems and hardships.
Tone/Mood:
1) Reflective (nostalgic about her past, i.e. her traditional and customs)
2) Regret (referring to the time – time forty years ago, and also the diminishing childhood, traditional and customs)
Theme/Message:
Where you are in the world, you just cannot forget your roots,
Childhood memories and your tradition.