the old gangster
If fights and prisons didn't get him, the old reaper in the end will...
photo by Anthony-X at pixabay
the old gangster
where once his panther tattoo
had flexed on sinewy muscles
is now faded on weathered skin
he sits at the coffee shop
alone
the blinds on his mind drawn
his gold ornaments glistening
in the morning sunlight
last night's fallen leaves
at his feet
he closes his eyes
slowly
sipping his tea
waiting
for the last parang slash
to fall
on his head.
revised 23/02/2018
****************
"you are at the end of the alley
the metal in your hand heavy and cold
the sirens wail and wail
the hounds close in on the quarry"
-dsnake1, you are a starfish on a beach.
© cheong lee san ( dsnake1 ) 2020
the old gangster
where once his panther tattoo
had flexed on sinewy muscles
is now faded on weathered skin
he sits at the coffee shop
alone
the blinds on his mind drawn
his gold ornaments glistening
in the morning sunlight
last night's fallen leaves
at his feet
he closes his eyes
slowly
sipping his tea
waiting
for the last parang slash
to fall
on his head.
revised 23/02/2018
****************
"you are at the end of the alley
the metal in your hand heavy and cold
the sirens wail and wail
the hounds close in on the quarry"
-dsnake1, you are a starfish on a beach.
© cheong lee san ( dsnake1 ) 2020
Labels: crime, heartlands, Singapore, urban
posted by dsnake1 at 10:50 PM
13 Comments:
Interesting poem Cheong Lee san. Its the first time i ams reading the word 'parang' in a poem outside of my cultural understanding. In my culture Parang is genre of Christmas music
Happy Sunday
much love...
Vivid. One could almost be at a nearby table, watching him.
The "old reaper" is patient. He knows none is fast enough to run away from the end. Old gangsters know this, too--which makes me wonder, would young gangsters live long enough to get wrinkles on their tattoos, if they learned this bit early enough?
Love the phrase "the blind on his mind drawn". Sad story in the neighborhood greasy spoon.
Gillena,
thank you!
it is interesting to note that in your culture 'parang' has an entirely different meaning. :)
over here, it is a work tool, a heavy bladed knife, and the weapon of choice of those old-time gang members.
Chrissa,
thank you!
yes, one could be at a nearby table, watching him. but don't stare at the guy. :)
Magaly,
thank you!
some will be able to make it to old age, i think.
Beverly,
and these neighbourhoods inspire the stories i write... :)
I was struck by the same phrase Bev mentioned. Altogether a vivid picture.
Clearly drawn. Perfect balance between observable and imaginary; between actual and allegorical. I had to Google 'parang' and it gave a definite WHAMMO to the close. Well done!
Rosemary,
thank you! :)
Ron,
yes, some actual observation and a little imagination. :)
Crisp and succinct. You paint a vivid sketch of a character weathered by storms in life 💝
thank you, Sanaa.
"weathered by storms in life", yeah. :)
"last night's fallen leaves
at his feet"
That's my line of the day. Thanks.
Thank you, Cuban! :)
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