The tiny ticks on the piece of paper concluded my day and it was a swift, crisp okay that sealed it.

My day was made. As we both walked towards the car in the carpark, I felt lighter all of sudden. It was quicker than I expected it to be.

***

I braced myself for the movie and expected it to be a complete flop with the consensus from those who had watched it.

But you know how “brand loyalty” works?

Like, how even Manchester United plays badly, but you still heart it for the warm and fuzzy feelings the team brings to you, fill you with so much pride whenever they play?

Okie, that’s Transformers to me.

I was teary when Optimus Prime fell.

I love it, for it brings back so much memories of my childhood, and I used to have Ovaltine-branded rectangular Tranformers’ stickers all over.

I didn’t expect to enjoy the movie, though I think it could have been much better.

I think despite how the poor reviews and all, for the childlikeness within us that was roused, it was enough for some of those in the theatres to break into applause at the end of the show.

I have never heard applause in the theatres(standing ovation in We will Rock you and Phantom of the Opera not counted!) before, thus it was pretty surprising for a movie which had garnered pretty much bad press. But I can understand that.

And I am so going Egypt!!

***

I remember when I was in London, I saw many of Michael Jackson’s posters/tube station ads to promote his upcoming “This is It” concerts at O2.

I was even contemplating to catch it on my next trip or something if it does take place (back then there were just too much speculation that how eccentric he was, there was a possibility he might cancel it). Not that I am a fan, but he is undeniably an icon and it would have been his last showcase, and it would well be witnessing a piece of history.

Alas, he never made it to the start of the concert, which I had no doubt he would do something impressive that no one could surpass.

My first ang moh cassette was Dangerous, and I still get teary over Heal the World these days.

The thing is, we may not realise, but there would be a part of our lives that is marked by him.. and he was pretty good looking before everything became a freak show.

I think he died a lonely soul. He was always one that was weird to everyone, but I think he was just a sad, sad character.

He had all the elements. Mysterious, strange.. a life in the media.. Neverland, moolah, scandals… and not forgetting, talent.

He was truly talented, and that was cool enough.

Like how someone twitted, “It is funny how death always gives a clean slate“.

Perhaps. But I imagine the stories/biographies/sell-out stories and all that will be bore by his 3 surviving young children in time to come.

That’s how people remember. They get sad initially. Then they cash in on the opportunities.

***

I think we mourn not because a big name has perished, but because an icon of the era where we felt most alive, has gone, bringing along some of the magic and fascination he had brought everyone, and all he left us with, is a stark reality.

Starry
starry night
portraits hung in empty halls

frameless heads on nameless walls
with eyes
that watch the world and can’t forget.
Like the stranger that you’ve met

the ragged men in ragged clothes

the silver thorn of bloody rose
lie crushed and broken
on the virgin snow.
And now I think I know what you tried to say to me

how you suffered for your sanity

how you tried to set them free.
They would not listen
they’re not
list’ning still
perhaps they never will.

***

And then another shit hits the fan.

Do guys all like to use the same I-am-so-devastated-I-see-no-point-to-live-on tactic on everyone whenever they are not forgiven for their mistakes?

-Wags index finger- Tsk tsk tsk.