A car, a hopeful meanderer,
Static in perpetual motion, an equilibrium
Unwanted, undesired, but
The only inevitable.
Inside, the air is conditioned, cool –
Outside, an almighty inferno.
The temple, once hallowed, now erring, ablaze,
The slum, once homes, now ablaze,
The bus, a promise of transference, ablaze,
The rickshaw, a livelihood, ablaze,
The flesh, once human, destitute, desperate, despicable,
Once alive, now consumed by the blaze.
Inside the car, aglow with
Health and vivacity,
Wealth and virility;
Indubitably preponderant, awash with
The only green that matters,
An infallible deceit that flatters.
Outside, a macabre imponderable,
Inside, insulated, pondering the superficial.
Digital clock ensconced in leather dashboard
Resets from fifty-nine to zero –
Irked inhale, a haughty exhale,
No motion, the count begins again.