Opa Johan And An Old Man Vendor
There was an old man, weak, trembling, limping – it were better if he were sitting in a wheelchair – you know, carrying a small tray with “merchandize” to earn his living. He was at the railway-station in Bojong Gede on a high, narrow platform with a lot of people waiting for the train. How brave he is.
But it did not come to my mind at that time to buy me some tissues and hand him a banknote of Rp. 100.000.- That’s just about, or only some ten dollars. He then will look up very bewildered, confused, upset, disappointed as he surely never would have money enough to give me the change. I feign blaming him. But then I tell him to keep the change. He would be surprised, elated as I really want to give him the money whithout his knowing, without having him lose his honor, selfrespect by humbling himself to begging or receiving an alms.
I would have my camera ready and shoot him. Ha. Ha.
That was in my mind. Alas am I almost always late for a decision. Now am I prepared for another time. Am I not a smart, good husband? So, now kiss me, be prepared, I might also fool you some day, Opa Johan said to his wife.
August 2011
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