The Old And The New In Harmonious Juxtaposition

A little isle with bits of everything
Paradoxes a-plenty! Come and see …
Feel and wonder at Penang’s appeal
Where old-world charm in its present BE-ING
Dwells in spirit with its onward BE-COMING
A brave new world for you and me

Mainland, port, and settlement
Leisurely; also, lively!
Hilly-watery-sunny-sandy …
Solidly standing with buildings
Majestic and modernist
Commercial and residential properties
Alongside humble mid-rise and low-rise places

We, its people: Local-ish—an inrush from near
and glob-ish—an influx from abroad
Of assorted ages and races
A unique and fascinating blend
Its history: Valued ‘cos we know the worth
Newness in deals, programmes, events…
All studied with care before Penang acts to host
Thus, earning UNESCO’s listing:
George Town, Penang ~ A World Heritage Site
Whoa! A heraldry we happily toast and boast

Our relationship with the isle as Penangites
may at times seem fragile … but not fractured

Hark! The quietly continuing call of the isle:
Unite; keep it whole; with love—ignite!
Engage from an inner sense of belonging and caring Make little worthy acts to mark our beloved isle’s thriving

In truth: Our core bears the non-erasable Penang stamp
As is often said: You can take a person out of Penang
But not Penang out of the person
Calling all Penangites: Let’s keep adding shine and charm
To our prized Pearl of the Orient.