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.
