Biography In Poetry Poem by Noor Othman

This is a biography narrated in poetry
About a girl who grew up in one peasantry
Sri Menanti is a village at far end of the Country
Where her folks have been living there since ancestry

Her parents were simple villagers
Who raised her 8 sisters and brothers
The neighbors were also long-time dwellers
Most belong to the same family members

Her parents were of farming community
The income depends on weather certainty
When the seasons were good they reaped aplenty
When time was bad, everyone had anxiety

In this little village the girl was molded
To be a person that would be accorded
She had one thing and the only thing afforded
That one day she would become a doctor applauded

She attended a school which is unknown in actuality
The teachers were friendly despite adversity
The school was located faraway from any big city
She had to wake up early to overcome the austerity

After some years of primary education
She moved to a school of national adulation
This elite girl school is everybody's admiration
The name is TKC and it has no competition!

She spent the entire teenage years there
Making friends with girls who had lots of flair
Playing ball games were all she'd care
The long walks in early days must have had the share!

She played hockey and netball best
Representing her School in tourney and fest
An all- round athlete, is what she quest
Running track events above all is her zest

In mid seventies she entered the University
The dream to be a doctor now almost a reality
The learning was hard, the books were heavy
But she thrived on, never indulge in self-pity!

University Malaya was home for next 6 years
Juniors and seniors were friends she cheers
Unlike in TKC, they were of different gender and races
Giving her the stimuli to study without tears

She graduated with MBBS in 1981
And became the first doctor in her clan
Hospital Kuala Lumpur was her first den
For one full year as a fresh houseman

The next 5 years was General Surgery
The work was hard but she remained cheery
She got married and managed to start a family
Giving birth to 2 boys despite being very busy

Juggling family-hood and worked as a surgeon
Was too tough for her or anyone known
She switched field to one that is less over-blown
She explored others and Pathology was shown

Professional trainings were from several places
Malaysia, Australia, Canada were her bases
Medical Education was chosen as next learning phases
The Americans taught her in 2 different stages

The Fellowship was called ECFMG
Which cited her as the first from our Country
The trainings were done in two batches
The first in New Mexico, the second in Texas

After seven years of life as a lecturer
She received her promotion and life was better
The next six years she moved up the ladder
And became Our first female medical professor

Her gratitude to many is beyond expression
Especially to her parents with endeared devotion
To family and friends who shared their dimension
And God Almighty for His very kind attention

Life is not always a bed of roses
At times she stumbles in losses and glitches
To her these are small life challenges
Giving her the strengths to continue her marches

Teaching pathology is her main mission
Giving clinical service with same volition
Along the way she holds leadership position
Rendering out her best in every situation

The girl in this poetry is Nor Hayati Othman
Writing in rhymes is her frequent expression
Her name is often written in other versions
When that happens she insists corrections!

Finally, I have come to the end of my poem
I have written this in one fun moment
I hope you like it as much as I do
I have no proper training, this is impromptu!

This poem was written around the time of Universiti Sains Malaysia-University of Malaya Regatta Rowing competition at Putra Jaya; 23rd December 2006; an event I participated for the first time in my life! -