In the women's compartment
of a Bombay local
we seek
no personal epiphanies.
Like metal licked by relentless acetylene
we are welded—
dreams, disasters,
germs, destinies,
flesh and organza,
odours and ovaries
A thousand-limbed
million-tongued, multi spoused
Kali on wheels.
When I descend
I could choose
to dice carrots
or a lover
I postpone the latter.
Wonderful narration of travel in local trains in Mumbai.
A real time poem so nicely penned, so touchy. 10+++
The poem exemplifies the collective strength of working women attempting to leave their mark on the face of an impersonal city that robs them of their distinctness and individuality. A lovely and compelling portrayal of women working to effect change.