La Mer...

c'est magnifique!

That night as the waves ebbed and flowed along the shoreline, one begins to wonder where the sea stopped and the land began, or where the land stopped and the sea began. And as I thought about those lines from Katong Fugue, I'd say the shore is where the land stops and the sea begins - where the finite material trappings end, and where the constantly changing uncertainty of life begins. Shakespeare once described the sea as an agent of change, an agent that brings in peace, love and calm with its ever-changing tides - and when I heard the sound of the sea, I couldn't agree less.

While the tides may have carried Viola to Illyria and eventually to her love, I'm not too sure if someone will be there to tide me through these rough times. But then again, Viola didn't have it easy either and if there's one thing to be learnt from her character, it would be resoluteness - like patience on a monument, smiling (even) at grief.

In any case, I just watched the Indonesian production entitled Ayat-Ayat Cinta, and even though it may not be the best of productions vis-à-vis Hollywood blockbusters, it's definitely one that is impressionable and made me think about things especially from the point of view as a modern Muslim. Things such as true love, humility and above all patience in the face of adversity.

Like Jonah who remained constant in faith and continually believed and talked to God even in the most despondent of times, hopefully I'll make it through the coming weeks a stronger and more positive person.

Especially when I have responsibilities as a son to my parents, as a son to my country and as a son to mankind.