Farewell to Sumana by Leong Liew Geok

Sumana,
Go home and find a good man to marry.
Now you leaving us,
You free do what you like:
Keep long nails, put Cutex,
Wake up late, wear pretty clothes.
You find good man marry.Not any man – good man,
You understand?

Look after your savings.
Don’t lend any people.
After you don’t see your money anymore,
You don’t see their face also.
It’s your money – you work hard.
Keep it for yourself.
Maybe spend on wedding and house?

You want to come back as housemaid again?
No use, no use.
After ten years you too old to work.
Then who look after you?
Nobody want you for housemaid.
Afraid you fall sick, die in house.
Then how?

In Singapore, many women work
Even after marry; Sri Lanka,
Not same – difficult to do.
Maybe nice man no ask for dowry.
Maybe good man want good woman,
Not young or pretty face,
Or one million rupees.