Singapore just suffered its longest dry spell on record and it was pretty evident brown had taken over the nation known for its greenery. The sights around my neighbourhood though, for lack of a better term in light of the ongoing haze, took my breath away, albeit in a wholly different manner.
I’ve sat under this tree a couple of times amidst questioning stares from neighbouring residents, but it’s always provided shade and a serenity no concrete pavilion can give. I couldn’t care less what people think; I think this tree is brilliant and needs some help, stat.
One of those who hasn’t given me odd looks is this man who’s watched me grow up through the years, mostly when I play football with my friends. Apart from footie banter, I hardly know him, but as I walked my dog some mornings ago, he’s been sprinkling water upon dry patches on his own volition. It’s good to know I live among people who care enough. I’ve got to take him up on his offer of a beer and a photo soon. Also my dog likes him.
What are these photos about?
He’s my best friend and I love walking him. Sometimes he gets curious about places so I bring him closer. More often than not he’ll get scared but I’m there and he knows. For as long as it takes I will be sure it stays that way.
Also it turns out he hates being there and prefers the grass, dry or not, because heights suck.
I’m out of sight pretty often recently because the world is fucking huge and I’ll go discover every nook when I can; because if the daily patch of grass you walk piques your constant curiosity and amazement as much as the next undiscovered plot of park I bring you to, I have no excuse not to venture as far as I can nor dare harbour any audacious ideas that beauty cannot exist in familiar places. Give me Morocco, give me Laos, give me El Paso, give me Hong Kong, give me Belfast, give me Calcutta. Give ‘em to me in equal abundance and you can only hope to try to break my spirit in discovery and rediscovery.
But no matter how far I go, or how long I’ll be away, I’ll be back before you know it. While I’m around let’s walk as much as you want to anywhere you wanna go in your universe. I’ve got plenty sustenance for you; the rest.. I’ll try my best to live up to your gaze of me and the world.
Right now, let’s just hit our little shady tree and let’s all have some water, buddy.
© 2026 gent