What is "independence", what is its significance;

Is it end of subservience, from colonialist's dominance?

Only replaced by cultural influence, spiced with western indulgence;

And hedonistic affluence, emanating from similar confluence!

To those in adulthood, at time of nationhood;

They better understood, struggle for freedom/common good;

From shackles limiting livelihood, constraints on thoughts and mood;

Of Malayans from all brood, in houses of brick and wood!

To those in their teens, at moment of independence scene;

What a time it'd have been, to be young and be seen;

Partaking in act to wean, from colonial master 'has-been';

Upholding a dream so pristine, be part of a nation so serene!

To those still toddling, at time of flag-raising;

Not much for remembering, such joyous happening;

Only aware and realising, during time of schooling;

Significance of timing, August, 31st 1957 a date enthralling!

For post-Merdeka adolescents, perhaps a lil' less of reverence;

Of date filled with significance, for a young nation in emergence;

Flag raising - an instance, 'tis a 'must-do' occurrence;

And concerts by artists of prominence, with fireworks in luminance!

Let's take a step back, to gauge our "independence" track;

Of development on tack, many successful a few set backs;

Of unity generally intact, though oft times appearing cracked;

Of cultural purity being attacked, from shores in faraway pack!

Let's be "independent", in true form not reticent;

In mind and soul, in character and role;

Let's fly the flag, let's also not sag;

Make this country great, for ours and our children's sake!