‘Ajumma’ in Korean actually refers to any married women, but amongst foreigners it has become a term specifically referring to older Korean women (usually older than about 55).
Settled in a cosy land of 'paddies' (not in Ireland), I have become comfortable with the sight of these so-called 'beings'. These things, these shrivelled, crispy bacon pieces of flesh. Hunted by the sun and chased by the Ajoshis, these creatures amble about street corners or stumble down roadways carrying what looks to be a load of neatly flattened cardboard boxes. The critters sometimes gather in forces on pavements trying to muster up the energy to sell crops, here and there, to the odd Upright. These Stoopers are easily spotted a far by an Upright, due to their favouritism in very clashy wear with orange and pink, mustard and lime green, garish florals and stripes, luminous geometric patterns and polka-dots etc.
Usually donning their masks of darkness, the Stoopers often cower when light is strong and they tend to wear cotton or silk upon their claws of labour. However, they sometimes are saved when they have, in possession, a crawler's carriage as they often shrink behind them with their load of recycle-ware, nutritous delights, cans of aqua or as a matter of fact, nothing at all.
If these daunting creatures are not squating on raised platforms or sidewalks, they are hazardly tackling crowds and exhibiting a style of 'herding' behaviour where groups and public spaces are squashed of positive space.
Nonetheless, my love for these Stoopers has only thickened as I find them mysterious yet intimidating. Brief moments of a glance into their eye brings a tickle of wee to my Joy.
From afar they may seem like just another nutty Stooper but their kindness and generosity continues to warm my heart!
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