The Street

“Cock-a-doodle-doo” with the crowing of roosters, morning dawned.  The first ray of sunshine shone on the quiet street, signifying a bright and busy day. The sky was turning blue and the noise from vehicles was waking up the street.

It is in my hometown. When I was young, I spent lots of happy time on the street. It witnessed my growth. I haven’t seen this old friend for a long time. I miss it. It was a narrow and short street. I can easily see the opposite. On it's cement surface, there were two rows of vibrant trees. They always refreshed me and let me feel warm.

In every day’s morning, the empty street got crowded and busy. The doors of stores were opened widely, like big mouths and attempting to swallow all customers. Every shopkeeper wanted to have more business, like everyone desiring better life. In a store, a middle-age woman carried a pack basket of groceries. She was haggling with the store owner, while her children were chasing one another around the shelves. The image that I ran after my sister and mom who asked us to be careful came up to my mind. It reminded me my carefree childhood and the precious days with my family.

A minibus from the countryside arrived. The driver honked the horn to battle for space with pedestrians. Then passengers jumped out of the car excitedly. They joined the throngs of people and exchanged greetings. People chatted and played jokes with each other. Everyone wore a smile on the face. I loved this friendly and harmonious atmosphere. It delivered love and warmth that made people closer.

On the street, there were many vendors putting their goods orderly on the ground and talking with each other. When customers came, they stood up immediately and helped them to pick up the goods enthusiastically. Not only did adults enjoy the fair, but children also loved. An old man who sold sugar-coated haws walked along the street. He became the king of children since many greedy children followed him all the way. No one can image how much I envied him when I was a child. Those sugar-coated haws seemed to be the most delicious snack in the world. Some people walked on the street just for recreation. They usually carried their bird cages leisurely.

As time passed by, vendors started to pack along their goods, and store owners began to clean their shops. Parents took their children home and the minibus was full of tired but satisfied  passengers on the way back to the countryside. The busy street became quiet again.

I left my hometown for several years.  My memory of the street has begun to fade away slowly. But I’ll never forget things that the street brought to me:  happiness, love, friendship and honesty. I will keep these deep in my heart and not lose myself in the fast developing world.                                               

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