Rabbits in Rhyme

Pantuns by Baba Christopher Lim.

Kuching belang sekumpul di-taman,
Makan rumput sama sayuran. 
Taon ini mintakan peng-ann, 
Sekeluarga sama kawan-kawan.  

Rabbits gather in the garden,
Feasting on grass and fresh greens.
In this New Year we invite peace upon,
The whole family and our friends.

Ucapan keong hee datang kembali,
Taon Baru suah lagi.
Kuching belang binatang sunyi, 
Taon ini hock khee dia kasi!   

The auspicious greeting is upon us,
As it is another New Year once more.
Although the rabbit may be a quiet creature,
It has arrived bringing great prosperity!

…..and in Penang Hokkien 

Tah–Tah Nee Thnee Poh phee, 
Ciak kah Lau Tua Hock Khee. 
Jip Sin Nee keow Keong Hee, 
Kniah Oo How tuanh sim phnee!

Every year we are bestowed heavenly blessings,
In the form of longevity and prosperity.
Wishing all prosperous greetings as we usher in the New Year,
With your children’s display of filial piety

Amah, Ah Kong cheo lee lee, 
Cheng seen snah than tua cnhee. 
Seang kah Thor cheak chneeh–cneeh, 
Sneh kniah soon cheen tua thnee! 

Our elders are greatly happy,
Dressed in new clothes and receiving lots of bounty.
It is akin to the rabbits happily eating fresh greens,
Surrounded by their large progeny.