Up on Cloud Number Nine

When I’m sick of the flare of gaming computers and the smoke-filled air of the pool parlour, I left Zhixun and his friends for home. On my way back, I passed by S’pore Post and since the weather was so nice, I climbed up to its rooftop to slack.

The roof above S’pore Post is one of my favourite places in S’pore. It’s my “Cloud Number Nine”, where I do nothing except watch the world go by. From my vantage point, I can survey all from the dark-glassed splendour of Suntec City to the imposing condominiums behind TJC. Every time I come to Cloud Number Nine, I feel a rush of nostalgia. For two years of my JC life, I had travelled up and down the road beside S’pore Post daily. On most of those days, Jingyu travelled with me. He came to my home frequently and we loved to study together. For the reason that Jingyu, Michelle and Chin were by my side constantly, going to school was always a cheery thing.

It’s funny how sometimes I like to dream of being with my friends instead of actually being beside them. I think there is a charm in longing, the kind which gives beauty to a poem. I certainly enjoy my seclusion up on Cloud Number Nine, eternity without responsibility fits me like a shoe. Begone from me, all the people of the world; begone from me, all relationships. For now, I’m a magnet for things quiet and serene. For now, I go anywhere I want.

But my heart cannot lie. When the soft blanket of night gently covers the land, who knows if I will long to love and be loved? I cannot give in, nor can I give up. And love once again, becomes my reprimand, my goad, my song.