gajra

karachi
he never yelled
just pushed the gajras* in view
and looked with baleful eyes

when the traffic halted
other hawkers, beggars pounced
seeking alms, selling wares
............but this kid
and his younger sister
merely looked at you

they could've been mute
i never heard them peddle
the only thing i traded
was a dismissive
maaf karo! nahiN chahiyay**

* * *

toronto
stopped at red on islington*** yesterday
and the scent of jasmine wafted in
i looked around for baleful eyes

_______________________________________

*....a bracelet made of flowers
**...forgive me! don't need it
***..a T.O. street