An Image of the Traffic in Kolkata

                An Image of the Traffic in Kolkata                                      
“Be careful, look out, swerve to the right –or you’ll hit the oncoming bus,
 Go slow, a rickshaw is in the way, don’t speed, there’s a frantic rush!
 Honk, honk! A man is crossing, chatting merrily on his mobile phone                     He is insured; he doesn’t care about losing a tooth or fracturing a bone!!”

“Look out!” we shout, a speeding auto cycle comes crashing head on,
We try a by-lane, but traffic is stalled because of Chief Minister’s visit from early morn.
The Main Road is blocked; a boisterous procession is snaking its way for Victory Day.
“Look in front! Some insolent street urchins and raucous hawkers are obstructing the way.    

The heritage trams, the refurbished trains, the vulnerable cyclists go past too,
Most of the vehicles are prized museum pieces, which in Kolkata’s traffic are in view.
Though it is spectacular with cars of all colors, some dilapidated, 
a few brand new.
-Don’t be surprised if you encounter a dog, or even a monkey from the zoo!

 But the daunting traffic in Kolkata, is what the globe trotter will call ‘unique’,
In order to drive here, I caution you in advance, one must know the PC Sorcar trick!                                                                                                        To soothe the nerves after continuous mental shelling, soft music one must turn on,
If one can stay unruffled amidst the cacophony, the battle is then confidently won!

Copyright © Brita Roy | Year Posted 2019