I returned from Ipoh last Thursday, feeling terribly frustrated with the turn of events there.
My son, I think, sensed this, from the absence of any substantive posting on the ongoing crisis in Ipoh, and sent me a pick-me-up that he penned.
It lifted my spirits.
I want to share it with you. It bears the same title as this post.
______________________________________________
There certainly will be, in your life, a time,
Where the world around you is filled with crime,
Where the hearts of people are filled with despair,
With no one to love, no one to care.
In this dark hour,
That we must endure,
There is but one force of resilience,
From which we derive peace and patience.
From this force we gain persistence,
From this force we attain endurance,
This entity is the one we call hope,
The only one that can help us cope.
With all the obstacles in our way,
In a year, month or even today,
And hope will lead us into an era,
Where there is no such thing as dread or terror,
Where good and justice are supreme,
Where the tide of darkness has lost is reign.
Posted in: My Son
The People's Parliament 
Estrelita Soliano Grosse
February 9, 2009
Like father like son! In a moment of irony, the son finds the right words to help the father who has most probably propped him up countless times before.
This is an endearing post.
ewoon
February 9, 2009
Hang in there, bro. Did He not give us sunshine, rain and what comes in between, too?
i suppose He knows we sometimes need time to rest, reflect and re-strategize when we are so caught up in our fervor to press on and probably err without knowing.
Take it as a reprieve. BTW, you have brought up your son well – a wise young man.
Malaysianatheart
February 9, 2009
Yo bro – all of this is going to turn out to be a blessing in disguise. One thing is for sure – Najib’s days are numbered. He just committed political suicide.
The other sure thing is that not to long from now – the people will demand and the new govt of the day will have no choice but to oblige – for the dissolution of the royal houses in Malaysia. Malaysia will go the way of India and their Maharajas – we don’t need the Sultanate anymore – they are useless to their people. They are just a massive drain on public coffers.
It will all work out in the end. Don’t despair.
delcapo
February 9, 2009
bravo!
Lilian W
February 9, 2009
Let’s not be discouraged when the tide turns…there’s lessons to be learnt here and PKR should take the opportunity to learn and let live…lose the battle but win the war.BTW that’s a truly encouraging prose and kudos to you and your son for your efforts.
CYanamid
February 9, 2009
How do you unite a fractured community?
Times and times again, an appearence of a common enemy brings everyone together towards a common goal. The Chinese did it against the Japanese, and the Pakatan parties unite against to topple the Malaysian government.
Najib’s plan in Perak is trying to kill 2 birds with one stone. Besides taking back Perak, he attempts to unite all Malaysians against a common enemy: The Royal, and to continue what Mahathir could not achieve. It seems that Najib’s plan is working.
Dear Malaysian, do not fall for this.
Rasupal
February 9, 2009
Another Harris Ibrahim is in the making? I don’t know how old your son is but his words describe the wisdom in him nothing less than his father’s.
I’m proud of you my dear bro, for walking the talks. And to your son:-
Dear Junior Harris, the famous tamil “Thiru Kural” in verse 70 describes a good son with following virtues:
The son’s duty to his father is to make the world ask, “By what great austerities did he merit such a son?”
I’m sure your father is very proud of you!
Rasupal,
He’ll be 14 soon and, yes, very proud of him.
yapsir
February 9, 2009
Storms,dark clouds,rain may fall,or even sometime floods do come.
But above the dark clouds of fear and uncertainty,SUN exist and never changes.
The heart of all Bansa Malaysia must stay intact and together.
We are not just against unjust,unrighteous,unfair people who have no care for all but themselves.
Don’t give up hope,even it may take time,but together we stand. PERSERVERE ON!my fellow brothers and sisters.
Till the SUN shines coming in (I belive soon again)
hand on.
Its time again,if we must “fast and pray”that the dark clouds clear soon.
Pat
February 9, 2009
‘Where the tide of darkness has lost its reign’
Simply beautiful.
LChuah
February 9, 2009
Yes, behind the clouds the sun indeed is still shining. Edgar Allan Poe talked about some days when the individual’s life “must be dark and dreary,” but that goes for the nation as well. Why struggle when everything’s fine? It’s times like this that the best of the nation comes forward, of which you, Haris, is a prime example.
Missed you last night at the Civic Center, but won’t be for long, I guess, when vigilers find some way to send their message again.
LChuah,
Skipped last night on account of the anticipated traffic jam at Batu Caves coming in from Bentong.
Reniv
February 9, 2009
AWESOME! HOPE…..THAT SILVER LINING IN THE MIDST OF DARK CLOUDS JUST BROKE INTO GOLDEN HUE. I LOVE IT, I JUST LOVE IT!
moses
February 9, 2009
Dear Haris
The events confronting us recently certainly cast its bitter taste upon many Malaysians. Looking at the larger scene the world over, there are certainly this trend of humanity entering into a dark period of being controlled and of enslavement. Yet, for this battle for righteousness is not ours alone for it is also a battle in the spiritual plane where God is our help. Let us have hope always even in this bitter moment through the Perak experience that truth and justice will prevail and peace will reign in our land.
The way I see it, UMNO, through Najib, has make a very grave mistake through their insatiable greed for power and riches, and waiting for the day for it to be buried. Its last rite has been administered and now awaiting its passing on.
Batu Ferringhi
February 9, 2009
Touching. Consider yourself lucky junior is so caring. Take a break perhaps Haris, and count our blessings. Thanks for your hard work too.
Daniel
February 9, 2009
We need you Haris.
The people of Malaysia need you.
aloysius francis pinto
February 9, 2009
Dear Haris,
I am so happy for you. When Something like this come from your brood. You know you have done well as a father. My daughter sent me such a note from Perth, in my darkest moments, it also lifted my spirits..and I am still at it. GOD BLESS OUR CHILDREN, We ARE so blessed.
Rest awhile my friend. The road ahead is long and tough. A time to rest, a time to act. REST FOR NOW. Secured that those closest to you understand.
Fraternal Love
Aloysius
CK Choong
February 9, 2009
Hi Haris
I have been following your blog for about one and half years. You have always inspired me with your articles. You give me strength and courage in fighting those corrupted politians and make feel that there is still hope in this place. We cannot and will never lose to those corrupted politians. Lets fight back and let them know that PEOPLE ARE THE BOSS !!!
CK,
Let’s take them on.
Drachen
February 9, 2009
Cheer up, Haris. Such events open the eyes of the rakyat and help bind the races together. Even people in BN are pissed off. I find Karpal’s outburst silly and out of sinc with the mood in the country.
Malaysian Wannabe Again
February 9, 2009
Haris
Can I adopt your son? At least when I go, I can claim an intelligent offspring, even if in name only. Anyway, he is my nephew by virtue of me adopting you as my brother. 😛
Although a sad event with Perak being lost to BN and a sadder event with the passing of Bukit Gantang MP, the Almighty has provided an opportunity to send the message loud and clear that the Rakyat will not take what has happened lying down. I do hope they nominate Nizar as a candidate. I cannot see a better candidate to send the arrow into BN heart.
CPK
February 9, 2009
What a gem of a son indeed. Reflects the Dad and family that nurtured him.
Peter Chong
February 9, 2009
A Towering Anak Bangsa Malaysia bringing up yet another to be towering Anak Bangsa Malaysia!
All the more reasons for us to work harder to walk our talk and get others to do so; building that civil society of truly Anak Bangsa Malaysia.
Like you mentioned at Markus’ wake….sometimes it is the younger ones that will kick us where it hurts to keep us going!
Stay Strong Man………a BIG BIG ANAK BANGSA MALAYSIA HUG for you!
Peter,
Hug back
bayi
February 9, 2009
It’s beautiful and certainly motivating!
KATAKISM in BOLEHLAND
February 10, 2009
Brother Haris, congratulations.
Good family upbringing, indeed.
Hopes he will be one of the pioneers and the leaders for the next young generation.
Bolehland has hope if more young men like him are around us.
Umran
February 10, 2009
Your son has the soul of a poet.
He has inherited your gift of uplifting people in the darkest of times.
Should BN prevail in Perak then prior to the next GE it will be our duty to remind our fellow countrymen of the depths to which BN will stoop to defy our collective will.
How telling that BN do not want the state assembly to be dissolved. Underneath all that arrogance, they are cowards – scared of the very people they claim to serve.
Let us not forget the collective power that we have over our politicians.
dani'el kannan
February 10, 2009
in man’s dark hours, GOD always sends HIS grace, in this case through the beautiful, apt and most timely poem.
May GOD’s blessings and grace continue to shine upon you and all your loved ones, my brother Haris
dani’el kannan
dani'el kannan
February 10, 2009
….no less, but by your greatest blessing ever, your son…..for children are the greatest blessings bestowed by Almighty GOD, to us, humans…
continue the good fight for truth, justice, mercy, compassion and the only way, the RIGHT way….
dani’el kannan
M.Kate
February 10, 2009
Harris, that is a beautiful post. These events in Perak is the ugliest ever and so shameful. While so many are suffering from the looming recession, what is our Govt doing..oh I forgot, they’ve got to buy more frogs, with our money of course. Don’t give up hope, there are many times I have, like now..on our current political crisis, but I do know the truth will prevail one day.
Ben
February 11, 2009
In God we trust, in our son we have hope.
anna brella
February 11, 2009
That is a beautiful poem, Haris, so your clearly poetic son must think very highly of his good ABM father.
And just like the sun is of itself and reflects itself, your son too, I believe, reflects the sum total of himself with all his potential, experiences and influences.
“Imagine Power To the People” Johnn Lennon.
JAmY
February 11, 2009
Haris,
This is so beautiful and absolutely deep from one so tender and young. It reflects how very dearly he holds you, Haris, to his heart…to share his soul’s stirrings with you when he senses you are despairing and bereft for words at the betrayals in Perak. What strength of character to be able to hope in darkness…what sensitivity to touch the soul of another at the right time…
May I share your pride in this young Anak Malaysia. Bravo!
Fair
February 11, 2009
Dear Haris , do not despair.
I was at the rally on 20th September 1998 in Dataran Merdeka where Anwar Ibrahim vowed that Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail to fight apartheid and he was willing to do the same for ‘reformasi’ .
He was imprisoned 7 years or so for some dubious charges while enduring the excruciating back pain,but after he was released, he is still fighting with high spirit and we members of civil society thank him for his leadership in leading the opposition coalition in achieving tremendous success during 12th GE.
I attended once a talk by Tian Chua, in his speech, he mentioned “… when we are in power…”, mind you, that was the time prior to 12th GE and PKR was only having 1 MP, yet he spoke with such conviction…
What I am trying to say is even though PR may eventually lose a state government (after the court verdict ) , PR is still strong controlling 1/3 of parliament and 4 state governments.
We must soldier on to fight to achieve our desires, dreams and hopes.
So my friend ,don’t be disheartened and together we shall achieve our ideals and dreams.
Cheers
sick and tired
February 11, 2009
I feel your pain man! I think the biggest worry for Pakatan now is that voters will feel there is no point in voting since BN will just buy over ADUNs/MP’s.
Johnny Chiam
February 12, 2009
Dear Haris,
Parents are the shinning examples of their children. What we do will have a lasting impression in their lives. They will imitate the way we talk and behave. You have done your work.
As for the fall of the Perak Govt, it troubled me for several days even though I am from Sabah. But when I saw all the comments and think about it,I believe it is something good because it open the eyes of many people who voted for BN in the past. So keep your peace because there is a price for BN to pay.
Jeyapalan.T.S.Mahesan
February 15, 2009
IT IS THRO’ THE EYES & SOUL OF A CHILD
DOES GOD MAKE GROWN UPS
SEE THINGS BETTER.
IT IS THE CHILD OF OURS,
WHO IS THE CHILD OF GOD,
WHO CONSTANTLY REMIND US
OF THE BEAUTY OF THE UNIVERSE.
Harris,
The Genes are showing through,
the Siamese/Srilankan/RajaCholan/Malay combination is certainly dynamite.
And incidentally,
what happened to the FARM PRODUCE!!
Cheers & Godspeed,
Harris son of Ibrahim/Abraham!
Sharing
February 16, 2009
—————————————————————-
A very nice Poem of Hope to Cope with Despairs!
—————————————————————-
But, how many despairs one have to took
before one realizes there could be any hope?
Peace needs the heart of everyone.
But how many in power got a fair heart to talk?
Heart for a fair law to spark!
Heart for the enforcement to have law to be parked!
Heart for judiciary to give fair procedures and smart!
Millions of People come with their warm hearts.
But the hearts of those frogs are hard.
Millions of People cannot fight four frogs’ hearts!
Cannot even move the heart of ONE Supreme
And, throw the millions of warm hearts into cream!
Heart with power should be taken to be cleaned.
Or people can only scream or dream!!
How many lawyers scream or dream
in the same stream?
The stream for Democracy?
At the mercy of God?
But no sympathy from the Lord!!
The future of those having their hearts are torn
and so the future of the society will be gone!
When can we seen the dawn,
when greediness will gone?
greediness with privileges under the shadow of the throne!
————————————–
How many judges have a fair heart in court?
With fair lawyers to work?
Caught with Bias of Justice?
And, so What?
—————————————
MALAYSIA BOLEH!!
Sheila
February 16, 2009
Dear Haris and all you fine people out there,
“Hope” so beautifully encapsulates the wisdom of life and the Truth of life. God and goodness will never fail! We have only to remain open to His guidance and walk unwaveringly on the path undertaken. Truth and Justice will prevail in the end, be assured.
Setbacks there will be as those desperadoes having enjoyed and abused power for so long will not be willing to give up so easily… but their days are numbered.
Your silences… are understood and supported just as your action has always been! It has been my vision and lifetime mission to build a better world where peace, harmony and love prevail. There has been a global shift in Consciousness taking place over these last few years,that I have been following with keen interest and joy knowing that it is the way we are meant to evolve.. towards The Life Divine! as Sri Aurobindo one amongst the greatest sages of India has worked for and achieved through the Yoga of Transformation.
March on faithful soldiers of Peace! God Bless.
sheila