As big as Singapore seems, in the press, in its strategic location, and in many eyes, it is relatively small. There are less than 5.5 million people and that includes 1.6 million non-residents that are living here. While landfill has expanded the overall size, it is still an island that one can drive around in less time that it takes to get into New York City on a busy morning. With time everything seems familiar – places, people, and things important to both.
In this setting, posers stand out. It is fun to observe the boys and their racers, bikers and the stallions, and the latest fashions vying for top billing. Singapore’s posers coexist on a stage tailored made for those who love to watch. The variety is fantastic! Young and old, rich and wanting to impress, multifaceted and single dimension blend in a mosaic of posers thirsty to be noticed.
I laugh as I watch a Lamborghini roar into life, accelerate and decelerate only to park 3 blocks later. The scene’s visuals redefines how short a movie short could be. Fashion statements of all types respond to a tropical downpour in the same way, especially since the age of slick synthetics have long vanished from almost everyone’s memory. Even as the pack of Harley’s cruise on Tanglin, the sound quickly fades. Posers never seem to have endless stage time in Singapore. Distance, proximity, and the thirst for something new to takes center stage are barriers that police the impact.
One initially thinks that the posing is real. It is as if “the wicked get by with everything; they have it made, piling up riches.” (Psalm 73.12) With time one realizes that the noise fades as quickly as it comes. The flash and initial impression blends into the fabric of life. One is left with a lingering tropical breeze, the mist of a new morning, and endless possibilities of the coming day.
I reflect on what is to come. I realize that the enduring memories of yesterday have no posers, just people living and making a difference.
