A young family

Today I saw a young couple with their child while playing basketball in the evening. At first it was the mother on a swing with her son, swinging at the same time making sure the boy does not fall off. I could almost feel the joy of being a child again, the boy could enjoy the swing ride without having to worry about hurting himself because he knew his mother would not let him fall. Moments later the father came, with a kite.

Afraid of being accused of starring at people weirdly, I paid more attention to the basketball again. By the time I watched the family of three again, the couple were flying the kite, each held the same string while the little boy ran around looking towards the sky. The father lowers the kite on purpose, and the boy grew excited thereafter. The innocent young little child started jumping, trying to reach for the kite. That scene was so sweet, at least to me, it was almost melting my heart as the family continued with whatever they did. I was nearly brought to tears as the young boy played and played, with both parents around him. It was one of those moments in which I wish the camera was with me!

A thought suddenly flashed through my mind as my friend said, "Joel... Next time you too can have a family and spend time together like this." and I began to casually imagine, will I be able to take care of a family of my own, should I ever have one? Caring for a family is not just financially, so much more aspects to look at, so much at stake if the outcome turns into a failure.

In a relationship between a man and a woman in which romance exist, requires so many responsibilities. What more marriage? What more a family when children come into picture?! Such responsibility, I believe not all can bear. Not everyone is meant of marriage. I believe I belong to the group of unmarried, and should remain faithfully unmarried.

Having said all these, I still love children.
And I loved the scene outside the basketball court today. What might be something common to the others, was a heartfelt moment personally, that family.



Kluang Baru Basketball Court

Eighteenth hour of the day
in a weather just so nice
went with few friends a neighbourhood court
I enjoyed the presence and movement of air


There were groups of people
we were one of those


At a corner stood a man of ripe age
doing his Taiji without a care
gently done with strength, every move
totally undisturbed by his surroundings


A row of bikes parked at a side
some Malay boys gathered
minding their business, puffing their cigarettes
awaiting a ball before playing on the grass


Not far away were a family of three
a young couple with a string in their hands
the tender aged trying to grab the flying kite from the sky
among all, this caught my eye