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Dear FriendWhen I first moved to Bukit Ho Swee from a relatively new, large BTO

five-minute walk from the MR T, or because Bukit Ho Swee was centrallyithis estate before coming here. I did not move here because my flat was a HDB flat, I found it very embarrassing. I hardly knew much about

located. I moved here because my sister, with whom I live, had sold that spacious flat and moved here. Ageing blocks of flats. Nothing outstanding or modern about the designs. Not many amenities or conveniences. I kept asking myself why I was moving to a place where there were mostly Chinese food stalls.On the day that we relocated here, the movers left all our belongings at our corridor and disappeared. It took us almost a week to clear our belongingsthat were blocking the narrow passageway which was wide enough for only oneperson to stand comfortably. Yet, nobody complained, even though it would have inconvenienced them to weave their way round the things. Madam Chee, our next-door neighbour to our left, whom I had gotten to know on my first flat viewing, not only helped me to bring in my things, but even loaned us ahammer and a ladder. Now, she is the one who tends to our potted plants. Whenever I invite friends over, they suggest we meet somewhere else, declaringdeath lurks everywhere at your place. Yes, there’s a wake at my void deckalmost every other week. The wakes for these departed last from three days toa week. Throughout the night, people will drop by to pay their respects or keepvigil. In a sense, it’s a celebration of a well -lived life as most of the deceasedare those who have lived to a ripe old age. These recurrent deaths reveal to melife s wonders. They remind me constantly to value every minute of my life.

K. Kanagalatha is a poet, fictionist, and the Sunday editor of Tamil Murasu. Her book, The Women I Murder, explores the struggles and strength of Tamil women in Singapore. It was expanded, translated into English, and retitled as The Goddess in the Living Room in 2014.

Latha’s letter is one of the 12 love letters written by Singapore authors to their neighbourhood. You can write a letter back to her or read all 12 letters at www.buysinglit.sg

Living here is eventful : The ash that carpet my flat’s rooms from the burning of joss papers during new moon, full moon, and the Seventh Month; couples who quarrel loudly in the middle of the night ; the homeless who sleep at the void decks ; the aged in wheelchairs being tended to by their maids. Yet there is a wealth of affection, and bliss like the kind souls that feed stray cats daily -- eventhough they lack the means to do so ... Love, care and concern overflow here. This community is the heartbeat of my stories, my poems. The life that throbs amidst these windless, closely built blocks of flats give my stories life and soul. I am truly indebted to all of you in this neighbourhood. You keep alive in me the urge to continue with my writing. My sincere appreciation and thanks to all.

With warmest regards,Latha

P.S. If you’d like to talk about Bukit Ho Swee, stories of neighbours and old estates, or perhaps writing, I’ll be at SingPost s Philatelic Store at Paya Lebar on 10 March 2018, from 11 am to 12 pm, see you there.

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Translation by Sulosana Karthigasu