By John Holmes
Hiran leans against the Greek column, letting the stone draw the Dubai heat from his weary body. Break over, he pushes upright and heads towards his coworkers lounging around the edge of the unfinished pool.
No need for swimwear: it’s a pool he’ll never enter.
Soon Hiran will be sent to build another hotel where he’ll never spend a night.
Paint a room he’ll never rest in.
Tile a spa he’ll never use.
Dig a garden he’ll never enjoy.
At the end of the month, he’ll wire his salary to his family in Delhi: a family he may never see again.
Such a true and sad story, John. Very powerful.
A sad tale yet probably true.
Thanks for commenting.
This captures so much in so few words. Well done John.
Thank you. The short stuff is always fun to write – even the sad ones.
Harsh reality, very touching. Perfectly captured.
Thank you for your comment.
Such a poignant tale.
So reflective of the unskilled expat from all countries.
Sad but true.
Nicely setup, nice rhythm, poignant ending. Enjoyed it a lot.
Thanks David.