Looking Away

The glint on the odd symmetry of corrugated sheets

The jagged corners of the shanty town vying in the foreground 

Catches my eye

I adjust my gaze; pointedly on the

blue of the horizon

The uneven, grimy nails on the hands willing me to look down

Hardened by seasons of waiting for the clink of the coin 

Grabs at my throat

I veer away; pray for the light to turn green

The clefts in the open mouthed stare oblivious of my glance

Years of toil running down their face in wrinkles 

Staggers my breath

I inhale deep; tug at the grey in my hair

The craggy peaks on the paper rang a death knell

Seconds slipping through; parts of me dying within

Flailing in vain at my life breath

I meet my eye in the mirror; where do I look away now. 

-Anuradha Venkatnarayan