Running in the Neighbourhood

I feel nostalgic everytime I run by my neighbourhood in Kallang. So much has changed...

I took on a new route, 
on a friday, at dusk. 
It ran beside the main road. 
 
I chased after bicycles
with Indian workmen sitting atop.
I ran freely for miles.  (good poem? X_X)

When I felt tired, I tried to secure a lift from my working father, as he rang up my handphone. The attempt proved unsuccessful. Hence, I wondered/wandered about getting home before dark.

I found the river, or the river (it seemed to be this way around) found me. I wandered beneath the shadow of the darkening trees. (Uh.. okay.. I'm in a sort of park, treading this winding footpath, the occasional bicycle...) I came to an ulu-ulu place, which (my deepest fear) may harbour active homosexuals. I took a look around at the end of the path. I heard a muted gasp come from within...

I could see under the lamp, middle-aged men fishing, relaxing on the chair. One or two were half-naked. No, I'm not interested in these things. This was no gay group, but I felt lucky I wasn't a woman! Getting through that area still proved a test of courage. I walked on nonchalantly, and there was no turning back.

I went under the bridge, and met the troll. (That would sidetrack a little, but nothing happened.) On the other end of the bridge were more fishermen. Under the bridge, I felt cornered - intimidated by the burly men. I thought I should make a run for it. I wondered if they might club me from behind. They looked like a gang. Any minute now, I could be captured; kidnapped. However, none of them happened - or had the guts - to block my exit.

(I would like to mention again that in Singapore, kidnapping is a crime that fetches a maximum penalty of...) O.O

Maybe I am far over the cynicism side. But it's better to be safe than sorry...

On the other end, I came out, slightly worried. I turned and saw a sign: "Kallang Sea Sports Club". I realised that I've just gone under the wrecked Nicoll Highway (Merdeka Bridge).There was an eerieness about the place. There were no cars above me. I climbed up the staircase...

I could use the Merdeka Bridge to get home. I often ran across the bridge in Secondary 2, training for my only major sports event (long-distances). The Nicoll Highway was sealed off after that point. I met 2 more fishermen chilling in the night, on the middle of the bridge. I resisted the impulse to say hi.