Writings on the Wall

So there used to be a good view from my bedroom window looking into the distance which is where Tampines and Pasir Ris are in the east. The minaret of a Mosque about 300 metres away is clearly visible and sometimes the scene can be quite mystical, like when the minaret remains clear and bright whilst surrounded by rain clouds or when the first ray of sunrise beams around it. When a low rise apartment was built next to the mosque 2 years ago what is left of the minaret is just its conical crown from my window.

My neighbour 3 doors away sold their house recently and it is now under reconstruction after being torn down. I watched the construction progress in horror as the steel bars extended upwards and outwards near to the front gate. It being a semi-detached house sharing a common wall with its lower neighbouring house and with the built in area pushed all the way to the front, I realise I would soon be staring at a huge tall piece of wall when I look out of my bedroom window. This morning I took a photo of the view before the last of the minaret disappears behind the solid walls.

I thought to myself, this very picture that I have taken, this very view will perhaps be lost forever. To restore this very picture many conditions have to be present. This new house has to be demolished, the other 3 neighbouring houses (2 with long driveways) must not be rebuilt to block the view, my own house has to remain as it is and I, the viewer must still be around; for how is a view to be recognised (even if restored) if the viewer is not there to see it.

Isn't  it the same experience with every moment in time?

Perhaps this blank wall can serve as a reminder for me when I wake up every morning. There are writings on the wall after all.