The Discovery On A Bicycle Ride

The Discovery On A Bicycle RideI discover my town on a bicycle.
I don’t need a Santa Maria. I am today’s Columbus.
All I need is my bicycle.
Romantic mist fill the streets by early morn,
freeze the air to a chill dawn.
Lo! another day blossoms on the creeper of Time.
The tolls of milkman pierce the ears of
snoring housewives.
The sleepy, old man drops at doorstep
fresh, printed newspaper of the day.
Crowds gather around tea stalls and tiny eateries.
(that sell hot vada and sweet vermicelli)
Sweeping brooms of municipal cleaners
gather garbage, clouding fine dust
in the morning sun.
Unbathed women at doorstep, splash water,
draw white-flour designs,
curse neighbours, government and everyone……
The rushing employees of state service, carry lunch boxes.
Weeping school children demand sweet meat
or petty cash
whacked by fathers or uncles.

The coolies depart, to shed sweat in cotton fields,
by countryside
or to reap grass under western hills.

Be gentle! Carefully take a watch
or you miss the scenes of morning.
The cashier at restaurant entrance,
in bright dhoti, wears red vermilion on forehead.
counts hot currency notes.
Little groceries open inviting women, children,
begin the business of the day.

The big gong at town centre remind the time.

Bathing men at temple water tank,
praise God in devotional hymns.
The hearty prayers of catholic priests,
in sweet rhythmic psalms.
Pray, dear fellow! will you note these tomorrow or
take a bicycle ride with me?


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Glossary:
vada - a spicy, dish made of dhall fried in oil
coolies - men who work on daily wages
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Copyright reserved © 2007 New Delhi, India

Ramesh Iyengar