Hartal

Somewhere had clashes yesterday;

Some way two were out.

Protest hartal is for today

Shall stay home, needn’t go out.

Housewives will be happy and gay,

Husbands’ company can enjoy whole day.

Prepare one sweet for lunch midday;

Three films there are on TV today.

Blessed are those who stay with family.

Wonder if not

They have prayed secretly

The boon of hartal

At least occasionally.

At village home better half languishes,

To the City’s wilderness Yaksha is exiled.

Bread and jam and black coffee

Rituals of breakfast appear cushy,

Lulled hunger wakes up at noon,

The burning sun melts coaltar

To pour mirages on the road ahead far.

No half opened doors of hotels

Nor kiosks selling bananas are seen.

Shall walk up to the corner cafe.

A boy and a dog;

Their eyes intent on garbage drum.

The cafe remains closed.

The dog loses patience and walks away

Nosing for roadside ambrosia on the way.

Four hungry eyes follow the dog’s way.

(Image: A common sight on a hartal day)