Hello by Shristi Sainani

Hello

Shristi Sainani

I did try and say hello Outside the butcher’s shop, Where they also sold in bulk Marigolds strung to beetle leaves. You seemed to be distracted, Perhaps looking at the dusky shepherd

Herding cattle on the right, Magenta saree shop on the east, From the incense scent Or the vermillion ruins of chewing You stepped in. I did try and say hello But the traffic was too loud The buses sped fast Crows called above. My hands, tied with heavy jute bags. There was muck on the streets. I did try and say hello, But it vanished In between.