Standing In Line Poem by Prathibha Nandakumar

There is a big queue at the well
There are many who want to draw water

Even when the line is broken
And a tussle results
In each wanting to get to the water first
The crowd does not diminish

They are all equipped
Buckets, pots, ropes, pulleys,
And sinuous muscles
Untiring and determined too

I am not.
I stand aside and watch
I am not in competition
Let the able take advantage

When the last one leaves
There may not be any left for me
My thirst unquenched
I peep into the dark abyss
And stretch my hand

And the water will come rising in air
Into my scarred palm.


22.1.2008