Namaste Readers,
I think I've depended on my TIMEX watch to tell me what to do: wake up, get ready, do, sleep, etc. One activity after another. When it's over, I willl still ask: "Now what?" When Time moves, do we chase after it or stop and stare? Or maybe Time is chasing us? Or maybe Time is not bound to us ( like a TIMEX watch ), maybe we create Time?
I took off my TIMEX watch as I waited for my aunts at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Philippines for 2 reasons (initially); 1.) humidity builds sweat underneath the metalic clock-face and rubber band; and 2.) sun tans/darkens the skin leaving a silhouette of a watch on unexposed skin [aka a wife beater's wristwatch tan].
Even though only 11 days have passed, it feels like I've been here longer. The telenovela "Mara Clara" is ending soon, and I remember I was here when it was just beginning. Last time I visited my cousins in Bauan, news of marriage were fresh in the air, and when I saw them during a May fiesta I found out about a 4 month pregnancy.
The women told stories about giving birth. Nicknames are given to commemorate the event. I was researching nicknames in 2009 and the difference between teasing and taunting. The former is affectionate, while the latter is demeaning. My cousin cried as she recalled how another tarnished her mother's name and reputation.
Going back to Manila riding a bus, didn't I do this 7 months ago? I was standing this time, and I got a bit dehydrated ( took at least 1/2 a day to recover aka forever ). I wore the same pants to an interview in December 2010, the same pants in May 2011. I moved in my new place accompanied by my family: similar curtness and awkward goodbye 8 years ago when I began my journey towards a diploma.
My TIMEX watch currently sits on the bookshelf on my desk. In the morning, I'm shocked to learn how early I wake up. I'll leave it there and see it next time when I get back from whereever. I ask people about Time, or I look around. I move...
No comments:
Post a Comment