Fluttering of the Heart

I experienced something which I had NEVER experienced before.

As I walked along the streets of Orchard today, I got a very weird flutter in my heart. A few sightings...

Someone standing over a Singapore Sweep (lucky draw) trying to figure out which one she should buy in order to win. I wonder - Is she buying a hope? How many mouths is she feeding?

An old lady having difficulty in walking carrying a huge load of paper cartons. An old man laying his empty cans so as to step on it to flatten. I wonder - Do they have any family members? Children? Why are they working so hard? For money or for leisure?

A very young man sweeping the pavement. I wonder - What's his plans for his future? I actually looked into his eyes (cause I was looking at him) and I thought I saw in that pair of eyes screaming out loud "Why am I doing this?"

It sounds weird.. But my heart fluttered. And right in the middle of Orchard road, I nearly wanted to cry. Not being Mother Theresa here. Not trying to save the world too (I can't). Yet, all of a sudden, I don't know why, I just felt heart pain. I can't put my feelings into words today. I simply can't. However, the image still stays in my mind.

I've never experienced such burden in my heart as today.