Orchard Road

February dusk descends Upon Orchard Road; My walking attends As feet bear clear loads. Bright and breezy moods In crowded walkways; Casual tour feels good As curious sights sway. A sea of faces In brisk momentum; Each going places, Motion feeds quantum. History lives here In ample shopping; This locale endears, Branded goods shouting. This tourist belt hurls Myriad offerings: Tempting wants that swirl A spree of buying. My footsteps tour far As curious eyes feast; I see trends on par That spur the vain beast. Too soon the dark sky As bright lights emerge; Shoppes can ply goods high, As wants and needs surge. I observe the scene With curious feelings; A climax unseen In such happenings. My brisk strides take me Straight on sanguine flights; My eyes search this sea To glimpse odd delights. Along the streets spy The way people move; Scent the lows and highs That echo these grooves. My senses soak in The busy fare and face; Heed voice unseen That flavours this space. A surge of spring air, Bold shop displays call; A festive affair In these noisy malls. Orchard Road reveals A dazzling array; Cash and carry thrills Can make happy play. Yet I notice too The sad and lonely; The weary day woos That human worry. My heart feels the pains Beyond the trade veil; The rush to attain Bread and butter trails. This brisk atmosphere Seeds naked contrast, Confronts sights right here As loud music blasts. My walking tour ends As I circle back; My hunger now lands A food court meal stack. My feet have prevailed The once tree-lined streets; Shopping sprees and sales Call to woo and greet. My sixty-year frame Feels fit to yet roam; Good health wears a name In place I call home. Dusk at Orchard Road Can be like a breeze; Forsake buying loads, Forfeit the cash squeeze! Leon Enriquez 02 February 2015 Singapore