[nightcharmer]

(Here's a bit of local culture in my country Singapore. Sharing with you guys. )

"Karang Guni!",
"Xiu boh zua,
Radio, dian xi ki!"

On a Sunday morning,
Came the voice,
One so raspy,
One so hoarse.

In the midst of the bustle,
Pushing a trolley in the hustle.
Shouting to the stories up there,
Awaiting replies from somewhere.

"Beep beep beep!",
The familiar horn.
Used for decades,
Yet never worn.

"Hey uncle, over here!"
I waved and bawled.
He acknowledged,
And up the stairs the trolley crawled.

"Chug chug chug!",
The rollers climbed up.
The old man appeared,
And seemed to brighten up.

I brought out the stack,
Of printings and papers.
He carried the pack,
And brought out the measure.

He lifted,
Almost frail.
But managed the load,
Without fail.

Scrutinizing,
He took a reading.
Then came the toothless grin,
Before the "Ka-ching!"

A number of coins,
Shimmered in my hand.
I looked at them,
And waved goodbye to the man.

The ritual continued,
His rollers gone,
His voice still ringing,
Like a long sung song.

"Karang Guni!",
"Xiu boh zua,
Radio, dian xi ki!"

On a Sunday morning,
Went the voice,
One so raspy,
One so hoarse.


**Note**

Karang Guni: A man, usually in his fifties or sixties, going around the neighbourhood estates, shouting out to the apartments above, looking for unwanted newspapers, clothings, electronic items in exchange for some small amount of money.

Hokkien language is used in the words "Xiu boh zua". and "dian xi ki". Hokkien is a form of dialect originating from China but is also widely spoken in Asian countries like Singapore.

"Xiu boh zua" means "collect newspaper"
"Dian xi ki" means "television".