Montreal in winter At minus thirty degrees My hair stiff with ice.

Received a caning Witnessed by the entire school My whole world crumbled.

Life in the boys’ hostels Enforced camaraderie College memories.

Born in a small town With mostly Foochow people I became a Ling.

A cosy cafe Coffee with scrumptious cookies Me and my friend Lan.

In the drifting snow I shivered on my way home But not my real home.

The temperature dropped Radiator malfunctioning I longed for summer.

Life in Hailfax Eight of us squeezed inside a two-room apartment.

Halifax summer Fishing, mahjong and courses Sunbathing ladies.

Tu me manques Two years in a French city Je t’aime I love you.