P(en)rose Poem

Since I was young, my fervent wish
was to disappear in Singapore. I avoided
forming relationships, refused
to let my photo be taken,
kept largely to myself;
no mean feats in that society - yet always careful
to preserve my mask, to do just enough
to avoid detection
or I would be sanctioned.

After 20 years of exile,
no one remembers no one recalls;
and if by rare accident a fleeting
memory should flicker, it would be
of my mask and not myself.
I left no trace of my existence.
It is as if I had never existed,
because I cannot exist there.
There is no sanctuary.

Hearts continue to beat in that city without me,
it makes no difference to me as mine never did.
I am different. Don't feel sorry.
I'm indifferent. I am amazed.
I finally have my wish.