AT THE WORK PLACE

AT THE WORK PLACE

BENOY P.J

It  is so good

When one could move out

When confinement doesn't triumph

And people move about

But that is not an ideal that many would cherish

We are used to hearing the sound of chains.

Somebody sits outside

Trying to take time out

From the ongoing training

That seldom stops.

Can we have a moment’s time

Outside the cubicle

Outside biometrics and power’s blockade

Away from the saffron shit

That tries to encompass.

Outside, people move about

As they should

Like real folk

Swinging about in a gusto

Caring not about the books that prescribe

The mode of one’s gait

And the thick air of empty gossip.

Somebody carries a sheaf of papers in a thick file

Another one of those that chase their own tails

A man walks up the ramp

With a stiff neck

A few flower pots for plants that will never see the light

Someone walks down with a ladder

Puts it up and climbs up to fix a fuse.

The surveillance camera that knows no rest

Has been twisted towards the sparrow’s nest

By some benevolent hand.

A fat man speaks into his phone

Half covering his embarrassed smile

With his hand.

A boy walks past

His right knee bandaged

And a slight grimace on his face.

The red carpet lies folded under the staircase

As if it’s job has been done.

People waiting on the rows of chairs

Look up at the clock , scratches their head

And curses silently under their breaths.

A woman sneezes, turns around

and climbs the stair in a hurry.

An officer takes a short look at his uniform before entering.

The movement of a mounted soldier in the glass cage

Horse hoofs and whining .

A curt greeting

A sneer

A hearty laugh.

You feel like shouting into the emptiness

Giving a catcall

Something.

A cat scratches its paw on the carpet

The man at the counter yawns and stares behind him

Two pigeons sit on the ledge and peck at each other

As if kissing was not already banned.

I take off my glasses and wipe away the sweat on my brow,

There was the brightness of midday

And the heat.