Posted on

#Whatdoyousee A Face at the Crossing

A face;
Glittering,
Glowing,
Multi-hued,
Stare at me everyday
At the street corner.

When the traffic lights turn red
And my car is halted
She takes the opportunity,
To show her painted face;
Surprising some
By her sudden appearance,
Making a few women scream,
Panic writ on their face.

She, with her painted face,
Just stands there
Miming,
Trying to draw attention,
Begging for a few dimes,
Before it is time
For the lights to turn green.

I roll down my car window
And hand her a few coins.
Her glittering face
Her yellow painted lips,
Part in a smile.
Her yellow eyes dream;
Dreams that are probably
as multi-hued
as the colours on her face.

She takes the coins
And looks into my eyes.
Then, from the emptiness of her heart
That her colours mask,
Comes a cheerful voice,
Showering on me,
A few blessings
From behind her disguise.

coloured face

Copyright @ Goutam Dutta

Written for Sadje’s blog prompt #Whatdoyousee #42

What do you see # 42- 10 August 2020

22 thoughts on “#Whatdoyousee A Face at the Crossing”

    1. Beggars like these are known in India as “Bahuroopie”. Not very common now. When I was a kid, I used to be very scared of them….usually they didnt speak, only mimed and begged. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  4. While they did speak, because of their different costumes and language your verse reminded me of when I had to go through one of the Mexican/American Borders which is basically a tourist type trap. We were warned by the person who was driving that a) most of what they were selling was just that inexpensive tourist items and b) not to even look out the window.

    I’m sure some were just trying to sell items to feed their families…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes…in India they are usually beggars looking for some alms. They are poor and harmless usually though modernity has polluted them and there have been cases in recent times of trying to steal the mobile phone as you roll down the window and they engage you. There could be an accomplice hidden somewhere too, waiting for an opportunity. The costume is primarily to attract attention.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Pingback: Sharing responses to this week’s challenge, WDYS # 42 from: Punam, Goutam and Kittysverses – Keep it alive

    1. So happy to know that you like my poem. 😊
      Agree with your views about begging. The divide between the haves and have-nots is probably gowing. Unfortunately the answers to these issues are complex.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. Pingback: What do you see # 42- A roundup – Keep it alive

Leave a comment