commute

driving places takes longer
splashing through puddles
dodging newer potholes
with more cars to race against
wipers trace a pattern on the windscreen

petrol costs more, dhania costs less
"maidam, monsoon charge,"
the rickshaw driver said
as he pocketed the change
taxes affect everyone

stopping at a traffic light
there’s time to hold hands
and listen to rumours of floods across the ghats
suddenly there’s so much time at a red light
the beggars have disappeared