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The Listening Tree
By Chemaine
My life started in a quiet and dark environment. I do not know the world above yet. Hearing laughter and the ringing bells of bicycles passing by. It always made me want to be a part of it. Life felt meaningless until one day it all changed, rain fell, then the sun warmed the soil, and I began to grow.
I was now a small sprout. I saw the sun for the first time, a beautiful yet blinding light, and the faces of those kids whose laughter and bicycle bells I’d been hearing. For once, I felt free.
As seasons passed, I grew taller and stronger, and the world around me changed. The kids, who hadn't known me before, began to play freely. They played in my shade, climbed on me, and swung from branch to branch. Things were good, and for once, it felt right to watch them grow from small cruise kids to thoughtful preteens with big ambitions.
But wonderlands don’t last forever. Kids mature and grow, they start to fall in love and learn new hobbies like basketball, singing, and cooking, and want to be independent. The kids that would come by every day would slowly disappear, their laughter faded, and was replaced with silence, leaving me all alone once again.
But just as one story comes to an end, another quietly begins. Though the laughter faded, the branches no longer swayed with little hands. I was glad I was able to be a part of their lives.
And one day, new footsteps echoed where the old ones faded, new voices and dreams, ready to write their own chapters beneath my shade.
From Seedling to Sanctuary: A Tree’s Journey of Growth and Connection
By Zden
In the heart of northern Singapore, where daily life pulses with the energy of families, students, and workers, stands the Woodlands Galaxy Community Club, or WGCC, a beacon of connection and growth for the residents of Woodlands. The club, located along Woodlands Avenue 6, is more than just a building; it is a vibrant gathering point where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate, learn, and support one another. Yet, amid the constant flow of activity, there is a quieter story unfolding just outside its doors-a story that begins with a single, unremarkable seed and grows into a living symbol of the community’s spirit.
The journey of the plant at WGCC starts in the rich, humid soil of Singapore, a place known for its lush greenery and tropical climate. One rainy afternoon, a small seed, carried by the wind from a nearby park, lands in a patch of earth near the entrance of the community club. At first, no one notices the seed. It is just another speck in the landscape, lost among the grass and fallen leaves. But beneath the surface, the seed is alive with possibility. It soaks up the moisture from the frequent rains, drawing energy from the sun that filters through the clouds. For weeks, the seed lies dormant, quietly preparing for the moment when it will break through the soil and reach for the sky.
When the first warm days of spring arrive, the seed feels a stirring deep inside. It sends out a slender root, anchoring itself in the earth, and then a tiny shoot, pushing upward toward the light. Above ground, the shoot emerges, a fragile green sprout barely visible to passersby. Yet, this small beginning is the start of something remarkable. The sprout’s first leaves unfurl, trembling in the breeze, and it begins to photosynthesize, transforming sunlight into the energy it needs to grow.
WGCC is already alive with activity. Residents stream in and out of the building, attending enrichment classes, fitness sessions, and cultural events. Children play in the adjacent playground, their laughter echoing through the air, while seniors gather for morning walks and tai chi sessions. Some of the children notice the new sprout and are captivated by its delicate beauty. They begin to visit it daily, watching as it grows taller and stronger. The club’s gardener, Mrs. Lim, takes a special interest in the plant, clearing away weeds and making sure it receives enough water. She explains to the children how plants need sunlight, water, and care to thrive, and soon the sprout becomes a living lesson in patience and growth.
This mature sapling stands apart, each passing month making it more and more solid. Its stem thickens, and its roots dig deep down into the earth, drawing out nutrients to augment its growth. Its arms sprawl to offer shade to those who might want to hide from the fierce rays of sunlight in this place. The easy flying of birds who perch on the branches and wake the stillness of early mornings with their songs. Children would just watch from nearby benches as the squirrels scurry up and down along the trunk. This sapling would later become a small but vital part of the community's daily rhythm.
WGCC remains a hive of activity, with a fair cataclysm of activities that prides itself in drawing people together. From the hallowed sound of Zumba classes moving through with music and laughter to really cultural festivals, upholding Woodlands' diversity, the community club has got everything going66. And the little sapling's been ever so quiet, a mute witness to the coming and going of life within the community. Lanterns hung from its branches illuminate the festivities for the Mid-Autumn Festival; on Earth Day, children gather to share lessons on stewardship of the environment and caring for nature.
Along with the community, the tree also witnesses the passing seasons. During summer, its leaves will hold cool for picnics and outdoor yoga sessions. When autumn comes, the tree becomes awash in brilliant hues of orange and red, and children run around collecting fallen leaves for art projects. The yearly shedding of leaves becomes a symbolic renewal and cycle of life, depicting the change as a healthy part of growth.
There are challenges, too. A particularly vicious monsoon storm wreaked havoc on the sapling: it bent dangerously near the ground and broke a few of its branches, battered by violent winds and lashing rain. But the community comes to its rescue. Volunteers prop the tree upright with sturdy stakes, and Mrs. Lim carefully prunes the damaged branches to encourage new growth. The tree recovers, and its resilience is a reflection of the community's own ability to weather adversity and emerge stronger.
Through the years, this sapling matures into a beautiful tree. The branches grow thick and strong; they can accommodate all kinds of birds and insects. This is the shade that becomes a favorite resting spot for the resident reflective crowd. Friends gather beneath its canopy before entering the club for their classes or events. Parents are watching from a distance as their children play, while the elderly sit on benches enjoying the cool breeze and the rustle of leaves overhead.
This is actually a spot that will witness many things to come in happiness and togetherness. National Day festivities, charity runs, art exhibitions, and cultural diversity are events for which this tree will stand witness. It has seen silent weddings, birthday parties, and moments of silence. The tree has become a part of the ever-changing tapestry of daily life at WGCC.
Sadness strikes the tree, and a silence falls upon the community club during the times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The laughter and chatter are missed by the tree, but it continues to give an aching place for those looking for solace in desperate times. A gradual return of the community is welcomed by the tree bearing open branches to the dancing light of its leaves.
The growing tree's legacy is more than just itself. It now produces seeds that are blown by the wind into the corners of Woodlands. Others are harvested by volunteers who plant them in parks and gardens away from home. Every sapling stands as a living testament to caring and connection: a reminder that we grow together.
WGCC is a place to which everybody belongs. Treating anyone entering there as his home, it offers programs relevant to all ages and interests. Parents and volunteers strive hard to create a hospitable environment, and the tree stands as a witness to all the good that nurturing and caring for others bring. Under its branches, friendships are forged, memories are created, and stories are exchanged. The tree's journey from seed to giant states the journey of community care, connectivity, and hope.
An account of the tree at the core of WGCC is more than just a plant story. It is the story of a community building a place to belong for people, building resilience against challenges, and enduring care and connection. Every evening, as the sun dips low, the tree casts a wide shadow over the community club grounds. Beneath its roof, the stories of the community continue to gather, shared stories, made memories, and nurtured seeds of tomorrow. The saga continues as the tree and community walk together, with each shaping and propping the other, anchored by the heart of Woodlands for generations to come.
Thus, the tree outside Woodlands Galaxy Community Club stands as a reminder of all that the community stands for-resilience, togetherness, and a belief that from tiny acorns grow great oaks. Its life is entwined with the lives of those who pass by each day-a silent witness to the unfolding saga of Woodlands; a symbol of the enduring connection between people and place. As long as the tree stands, it will continue to inspire all who are drawn by the secret will whisper that growth is not only that of stretching up towards the sky but also that of stretching out to others, weathering storms together, and rejoicing in the beauty of life as a community.
The Dark Lure
By Vika
The forest was lush green. Ethereal melodies echoed throughout the forest. Suddenly, everything went silent. The trees stood menacingly, their leaves whispering about destinies and prophecies. The gentle breeze came to an abrupt stop. A poor mother walked despondently, carrying a baby. The baby whimpered and closed his eyes as his mother put him near a rushing stream, lulling the baby to sleep.
Goodbye, Ravana. I’m so sorry…..
Before Ravana’s mother could control, tears gushed down her face like a waterfall. She scribbled a hurried note with the name of her child. She wrapped him in a clean cloth and put him in a basket. She let the baby into the river as her baby drifted away. Then, she plodded back home, with rocks of grief.
A poor farmer was fishing by the river when he caught sight of a baby drifting in the river. He felt pity and decided to bring him home. At lightning speed, he arrived at his humble hut.
- - - - -
Ravana was now 17 years old. Despite many years, he could still feel a hole that was enough to swallow nine worlds between his mother and him.
He went out of his hut and gazed at the sky. “Lord Shiva. I feel like an outsider in this world”, he whispered gloomily.
“Ravana!” called his father just then. “Coming, Appa!” he replied automatically as he came running towards him. “Can you help me in the fields, Ravana? Later, we can sell the rice in the market,” he said good-naturedly.
Ravana set to work immediately. He usually harvested the rice and sold it in the market. During money scarcity, they would go fishing and sell them to make ends meet.
Despite loving his family, he felt an inner pull in his heart that stubbornly claimed that he should be seeing places unknown to man, ruling over swaths of foreign land.
That night, he had a vision. Dark looming trees and eternal darkness filled the atmosphere. The place emitted such a suppressed power that Ravana found himself falling on his knees. He realised there was someone in front of him. “Lord Shiva!” he prayed, his voice trembling slightly. Lord Shiva scrutinised him with narrowed eyes, and his expression softened slightly.
“The journey to the direction where the sun rises
One that would yield prizes
Beware the storm that hails where the moon rises
For they would shred you, emotionally and physically.
Blood would meet blood, and the world turns red.”
Lord Shiva prophesied.
He shimmered into stars. Ravana woke up, his hands trembling slightly, his palms sweaty. His heart pounded. “Was that a vision?” he thought. Just then, a blinding flash of light lit his room.
He gasped in surprise as he saw a small Trishula.
Taking it as a sign, he silently packed his necessities and crept out into the unknown.
He travelled far and wide for days, searching aimlessly for his unknown destination.
“Grrr…” came a growl so sudden that Ravana almost toppled over. The monster came stealthily. It had acute horns, a filthy, ragged pelt, and blood-craving fangs. Ravana took a step back as the monster approached him. Ravana felt a sudden energy rippling inside him as he leaped and dodged the monster. Movements were deadly accurate; the monster lashed back. However, Ravana was determined. He slowly got from the ground and launched his best attack move.
The monster struck him repeatedly, and Ravana fell wounded. Determined, Ravana got up slowly.
Suddenly, Lord Shiva’s Trishula changed into a powerful sword. Ravana used it to hit the monster in the chest. Ravana’s eyes widened as the monster disintegrated into dust. “Thank you, my lord,” he answered gratefully to Lord Shiva.
Ravana continued on the journey to the east of the sun. Despite his fatigue, he persevered. Soon, the eerie glow of the moon lit up the world.
The next morning, he woke up and followed the sun’s direction. As a 6-foot-tall monster overpowered him, an adolescent boy defeated him in a single blow. “Wow. Thank you!” exclaimed Ravana. “No problem,” he replied.
They both journeyed and began to talk about their lives. The newcomer introduced himself as Kirkan, an ingenious tribe member. Kirkan informed him that the safest place was the city, several miles away. Ravana agreed. They walked for hours until they chanced upon a dense forest. Halfway through, there was a river. They had to swim.
Kirkan jumped in. The water pushed him deep down. “Help, help!” he shouted, his muffled voice reverberating. Ravana jumped in fearlessly and dragged Kirkan ashore.
“Thank you! “ croaked Kirkan gratefully.
They walked for hours, enduring through snowy mountains and hissing winds. Soon, they reached an old abandoned cave. The cave emitted a strange glow. “Follow me ”, said Kirkan. Ravana blindly followed. He saw a person whose skin was sickly green. He had malicious blood-red eyes. Just seeing him made Ravana shiver in fright.
“Master!” Kirkan exclaimed. “I have brought him to you”. All color drained from Ravana’s face. “You… I trusted you. How could you do this to me?” his voice trembled with anger. “Now, Ravana, hand the Trishula. Then, I’ll let you continue on your quest,” the king whispered venomously. “No!” yelled Ravana. “Really? Would you dare speak against the king of demons? GUARDS! Throw him in the prison, RIGHT NOW!”, he demanded. Just like that, Ravana was hauled inside.
Ravana sat there for days, deprived of strength. He had tried every possible method to escape, but nothing worked. Even the Trishula didn’t help. Suddenly, Ravana had a brainwave. He used the sandy ground and built a boulder that reached the window. He gingerly climbed the boulder and escaped.
Soon, Ravana reached a dead, silent land. Finding a spot, he slept. The blinding ray of the sun woke up Ravana. The people around him seemed depressed. Ravana soon found out that the king was corrupt and took money from the common folks.
Ravana was shocked. How could a ruler be this cruel?
Ravana held a protest. His authoritative voice drifted through the crowd. Ravana spoke of the troubles the people were facing. His words lifted the morale of the crowd as they insulted their king. Even his closest attendants seemed uncertain. Now, the king was on his own.
“You!” he yelled, thrusting Ravana forward. “You think someone can just come to my country and rule it?”, he said. “A country is ruled by fairness, not cruelty,” he stated calmly. The citizens exiled the king.
“Ravana!”, they cheered as Ravana officially became the ruler. Ravana was a generous ruler who brought peace. However, later, whenever Ravana patrolled the streets, whispered conversations and pointing fingers began. One night, however, Ravana heard loud noises outside the palace. He quickly came out of the palace, and to his immense shock, he saw his people yelling insults at him. Ravana could not control his temper. “I sacrificed so much to release you from your previous ruler and bring peace. Is this how you repay me?” he yelled. Instantly, absolute silence reigned.
Soon, his foul anger led to harsh rules. They began to hate him for his evil deeds. Ravana hated that his people talked behind his back and yelled insults at him after bringing prosperity. He ignored them. Let them speak whatever they want. He will treat them the same way they treated him.
Knowing his citizens well, he knew they were puppeted by someone. He followed someone who snuck into the forest at midnight. He hid behind the trees as he talked to someone.
It was Raman and Sita from the neighbouring kingdom. ‘What were they doing here?’ Ravana slinked away into the shadows and devised a plan.
When Sita was alone, he disguised himself as an old man begging. Ravana brought her deep into the woods, pushed her harshly into a chariot, and imprisoned her in his kingdom.
He glimpsed Sita’s family and friends coming in his direction. “Searching for something?” Ravana mocked. Raman glowered. “Try attacking me first,” Ravana challenged as he took his sword. Raman took his arrow and bow. Raman attacked Ravana. Ravana counter-attacked Raman.
Raman hit Ravana with his last arrow with deadly accuracy. Ravana was hit by the arrow and collapsed on the ground. In his final moments, Ravana saw his own birthmark in Raman’s hand.
“Brother?”, he mumbled, confused. “I’m really sorry for what I’ve done. I hereby announce that today should be widely known as the day of the victory of light over darkness, in honor of my death,” Ravana gasped.
“Brother…” was the last sound Ravana heard before his world turned black.
Rooted Through Time
By Irfan
In the centre of the bustling city stands an ancient monument. A raintree, swaying and dancing with the wind, its branches stretched like sheltering hands and watches countless generations seek refuge beneath its shade. Yet long ago, it was nothing more than a tiny seed, no larger than a droplet of water, cradled gently by the soil.
Its journey began deep in the earth, longing to be free. Torrents of rain and rays of sunlight came and went, until one day, it gathered all its strength and broke through the soil—a small stalk reaching toward the sky, a symbol of its growth and perseverance. Days turned to nights, nights to days, as it grew taller and stronger, never stopping, never turning back.
As it grows, the world around it changes, small houses turned to skyscrapers that soar in the sky, empty fields turned to busy highways, and quiet becomes noise. The world was constantly changing, but the tree continued to sway as time passed. As generations come and go, the cycle repeats itself. Children running around, students sat on benches nearby, and the elderly rested under its shade. Nobody notices the tree has provided shade and comfort to all that's come.
Till one day, news had passed that the tree was to be chopped down to clear the way for another piece of concrete. Around the tree, a piece of tape corners it off. Everyone who seeks its shade is unable. When the tree is at its end, many raise their voice, sign petitions so that the tree will remain. The tape eventually got removed, and the grand artefact still stands.
Sometimes, when I pass by it, I wonder how many stories it holds.
It’s never spoken a word, but it’s seen everything. It has seen all the laughter, the tears, the good days, and the bad ones.
It’s just a tree, but somehow, it reminds us to pause in this evolving world.
To breathe.
To remember where we came from.
I realised the tree depicts us all. Just like the seed of the tree, we may feel like giving up, but we must persevere. Just like the demolition of the tree, we may feel alone and lost when facing problems, but there will be others to support us all the way. We must remember that sometimes we need to stop and pause. Take a deep breath and be thankful for everything, as adversities are the bringers of values and personal growth.
And so, the tree still stands, not just as wood and leaves, but as a quiet symbol of hope.
It reminds us that no matter how fast the world moves, strength comes from staying rooted.
That even in silence, we can make a difference.
And like that raintree, we too can grow — weathering storms, standing tall, and one day, offering shade to others who need it most.
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