What’s a nation without its people?

Large abstract bronze sculptures
Tow’ring glass windowed structures
Square plots of trimmed grass
Tiled floors where many walk past

Files and folders and suitcases
Serious, educated faces
Business discussed in polished tones
Hurried decisions on mobile phones

Clip clop clip clop
Where’re you going, off so soon?
Clip clop clip clop
This report’s due by this noon

Squeaky clean pristine white floors,
Creaky hinges swinging the doors.
Colourful shops side by side
How can one even decide?

“Can I please get a bargain?”
The shopkeeper is such a pain
Salesmen go around promoting,
Explaining, advising, and selling.

Chitter chatter chitter chatter.
Is this product good or bad?
Chitter chatter chitter chatter.
This’d better be the latest fad.

What’s a well without water,
What’s a beach without sand.
What’s a nation without its people,
What’s Singapore without its men.