吃饱了吗？ Have you eaten today? How often have you heard or last used this greeting? It was very common in my childhood days. Neighbors passing by will often ask and if anyone answered no, he/she will be invited over to share or have a meal together. This greeting grew on me yesterday. As I walked pass my neighbourhood coffee shop, I overheard a man in a wheelchair asking for food from the economical food store. He claimed he had not eaten today and had no money on him. It’s 3pm and there are usually dishes unsold after the lunch rush hour. I slowed down my pace and looked back to observe a potentially heartwarming moment, unfortunately I saw the man wheeling away empty handed, with his eyes staring on the floor. I was disappointed. I walked towards him and offered to buy him a meal. Pushed him to the food showcase and told the shopkeeper that I will pay for his meal. I suddenly noticed that both men managing the store were probably not Singaporeans and might not have the neighborly values that we grew up with. I may be wrong. This man might also be a regular food beggar too and they did not want him to “make it a habit”. Anyway, I stood tall and felt good at that moment. What happened next was interesting. As I encouraged him to order whatever he felt like eating .... He looked me in the eyes and said in a flat tone - I feel like eating pork chop, can I? It is from a western gourmet food store that is just a few shops away. It was a luxury when comparing to the economic food, I was surprised and felt a little taken advantage of but somehow it made me smile as I could buy him a meal that he really desires. He wasnt asking for money .... Just a decent meal that he could enjoy. A kampong greeting that is almost forgotten. It at is more meaningful to me than before. When you next meet your elderly neighbors or familiar faces on the streets ................ 吃饱了吗?
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 14:05:41 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015