Writers' Block

Writers' Block a monthly contribution from our AWA Writers' Group

Written by Cy Roden

Tom Hanks is a great collector. Typewriters his special thing. Keyboards, ribbons, spools and levers, Type tap, type tap, type, ping ping!

Remington and Olivetti, Underwood and IBM, Smith Corona Selectomatic, Royal Safari, Hermes 10.

Every one a classic beauty, Each machine a work of art, Each one with its special features, Magic in each moving part.

The permanence of type in paper: The ink indented in that way. But permanence is sadly fleeting While transience seems here to stay. Tom doesn’t want them buried with him. He’d never get a cemetery. Can’t find it in his heart to leave them, Already he’s in purgatory.

But hot-dog, gee-whizz, They mustn’t be a burden to his kids. So would you like an old typewriter? He’s clearing out and getting rid.

How weird the world of life’s possessions. How strange the power of get and give: Half a life in acquisition, The final part in parting with.

The AWA Writers’ Group meets the second and fourth Thursday to discuss their work. For more information, send an email to writers@awasingapore.org