que pasa

Attended the wake of Ms. X-ray's grandma yesterday. Surprised though when Curly (an old school mate of mine - we used to have a lot of fun in high school) appeared and turned out to be Ms. X-ray's first cousin. He was also a friend of Crispy Prawn's and a friend of a friend of someone else at our table. What a small world. In Singapore at least. Seems like almost everybody knows somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody who knows you.

Last I recall of Curly, he left a pretty sour impression about 5 years ago. I cannot remember why. Perhaps I was too petty. Perhaps he did or said something that was truly distasteful. Regardless it was good to see him again yesterday. We talked for a bit. Maybe it was the conversation topic, and maybe we have both mellowed. But it was nice to erase that sour impression that had hung around for longer than necessary.

I like what time does to people (myself included). It brings you through a series of experiences that shape your character and mould your soul. It filters off the chaff, refines the gold and polishes the diamond. It reveals the transient and what (or who) really matters. I think even hardened criminals, while they may never say so, turn around at the end.

Hence I like this song "Only Time" by Enya (lyrics below). When 911 occured, there was a concert where artistes performed in memory of the lost. Enya performed this song, and I felt that it was so appropriate. While it tends to be a bit skewed towards love, the notion that it takes time to understand why things are the way they are resonates with me.

All the "why"s that we have will be dealt with in their own time. Some will be answered, some will become insignificant. It is okay to have burning questions, to be angry, frustrated and or sad, but we should persevere in our search for answers. But we should not be disappointed if we are led around corners, meet dead ends, or have to backtrack. Because time teaches and we learn, because we develop the virtue of patience, and because there are never any regrets for having taken the path that we had to.

Very much in the style of my Papa.

Who can say where the road goes,
Where the day flows?
Only time...

And who can say if your love grows,
As your heart chose?
Only time...

Who can say why your heart sighs,
As your love flies?
Only time...

And who can say why your heart cries,
When your love dies?
Only time...

Who can say when the roads meet,
That love might be,
In your heart.

And who can say when the day sleeps,
If the night keeps all your heart?
Night keeps all your heart...

Who can say if your love grows,
As your heart chose?
Only time...

And who can say where the road goes,
Where the day flows?
Only time...

Who knows?
Only time...

Who knows?
Only time...