Mammogram, Mri And Merdeka Poem by Noor Othman

I was having MRI on myself recently
Came Dr Noreen with request 'please Prof Yati'
Could you give a performance at the ‘Ambang Merdeka' party
You could sing solo or duet with Prof Mafauzy

I have done Mammogram a few years back
The pain was excruciating, my eyes turned blue-black
This machine was invented by men whose wives were real hack
A kind of revenge to keep them in check

This is what I told Noreen after the MRI that day
I am not a singer, a dancer nor good at play
However I could recite a poetry if that is OK
'Mammogram, MRI and Merdeka', the poem I chose to say

To me, 'Mammogram, MRI and Merdeka' represents
That advanced technology supersedes clinical exams
As we approach 50 years the birth of our nation
Only a few hospitals now are without these stations

To me, 'Mammogram, MRI and Merdeka' means
That women and men are at par in reins
Breasts and prostates no longer represent
The capability of a person only if he wears jeans

To me 'Mammogram, MRI and Merdeka' implies
Kelantan not only have kites and Batik dyes
There are now more lights and the population multiplies
With USM in Kubang Kerian, the atrium of growth lies

To me 'Mammogram, MRI and Merdeka' shows
Each of us has grown in swarms and throes
Along with the nation helping its growth
No one is left behind biting his ugly toes

'Mammogram, MRI and Merdeka' to me
Is my way of expressing independent spirit in poetry
It may not be as good as I want it to be
My apologies go to you in all sincerity


Ambang' is a Malay word for ‘eve' and Merdeka' is a Malay word for ‘Independence'. Malaysia celebrates Independence day on 31st August.