going to the palace in Kuala Terengganu
to get her PJK,
a big moment for her in life, in a brief minute
the baju kurung of a pale brown,
elegant golden brooch
a scarf across shoulder, new shoe complimenting,
complementing the garb
her name, three pace,
hands together, raising
bowing before a golden King
but the clasp malfunctioning…
he asking her to bring hands in front
then placing the ribbon, medal in her palm
raising her hands above her head, a bow,
‘Junjung kasih, Tuanku’
he shook her hand, not the norm
then backward walking
to her place
in the ornate auditorium
