Eggshells (May26)

Three chaps need avoiding along the stretch behind the market up to Dor’s place in Block 2. When any of them are caught ambulant all pass muster A-OK, hail-fellow-well-met per the manual. Motionless on their perch however, altogether a different matter—sitting ducks unexpectedly make you start and quickly whiplash the other way. Short tubby old Chinaman possibly another Eurasian; mid-seventies, slowing & widowed likely, late night parking himself on a bench in the breezy passage opposite the lifts at Block 9. Nine iron benches in three irregular rows were some planner’s idea of community meeting-place for maintaining the gotong royong spirit. Usually head flung back, mouth-agape, transistor on the seat beside him with new batteries sending the old Chiang Kai Shek lounge numbers blaring from the bunker. Back to the passage not difficult slipping by, tip-toe reflex unnecessary… Likewise Bicycle Loner can be avoided on his bench that fronts the exercise yard by the path to Katong, good sight-lines either side providing ample warning. Unlocked bike on the path awaits like a grazing horse for re-supply of the Anchors that start mid-morning and halve the dark of night. Easily passed. Another Indian-Malay like Biker—the pair not surprisingly taking care to put distance between themselves. This chap taller, not entirely friendless in his case, occasionally finding place for himself at the Haig or Al Wadi tables. Talk is under sufferance a sister with family provides shelter & possibly food. Never begging (drink undoes the other); likely slipped something along the paths in the usual way here. Once or twice the chap has accepted a tea. You want to spend me?... A wit quick on the up-take, heavy copper mask alight. In various corners around the blocks this chap can be found late afternoons and into the night sitting and smoking—on the stairs of the electricity exchange by Block 6, down on one of the decks, and late-night at the playground on one of the coloured seats swinging slowly round in circles.