by corinna
self-employed; self-instated
he loiters by the hawker centre
plastic bag in hand and
pocket full of photos
when the birdwatchers visit
he attaches himself to their side
speaking animatedly of his past glory
and delving into avian matters
when a family lifts their eyes to the trees
he springs into action
directing them with a confident finger
"there," he says, and "there"
they marvel at his knowledge
as he retrieves the stack of photos,
presents them proudly,
and tells the tale of the day
it all began
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This is a true story of an uncle that always loiters around Whampoa Hawker Centre during the weekends. He was there when the rare bird was first spotted by the birdwatchers and his interest and rapport with them earned him a stack of majestic shots which he brandishes whenever a (kaypoh) family stops by to look into the trees. A very interesting character of the local hawker scene and we call him the tour guide - always ready to introduce and direct those curious eyes to the rare bird's perch.
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