Time Stands Still over Govandi Station by John Matthew
A kite flutters, On a high tension wire — Against a stark blue sky. Beggar and old mother huddle On Govandi Railway Station — The dirtiest station in the universe.
He shows her a plastic watch, Smiles, “See I have time,” She, old, gnarled, wrinkled, Looks through beady eyes, “I have no need for time.”
Children toss rubber ball — In cricketing passion. Jagged slum roofs puncture the sky, Open drain stinks.
Mother and son — Hungry, disowned, dispossessed — Govandi platform is home. A plastic bag, clothes muddy brown, He extends a hand, A black plastic watch on wrist, “God will do miracles, Give this man a meal.”
The kite flutters; Time stands still over Govandi Station.
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