Fruit Vendor John

Fruit vendor John was polishing his pomegranates
The green piece of clean poplin was kissing warmly
He once rubbed the pinkish crust with the soft cloth 
Would then look at it with a mild pomegranate-care 
Is he looking himself into a mirror, I was wondering
Dissatisfied he would now collect a piece of muslin
That too as I saw got into a purple stimulant dance
Now pleased the vendor put it with its other siblings
He was treating every fruit almost in the same way
A floating bridge of friendship in the scented breeze



Above photo, I took yesterday early in the morning
At around five in the evening, I revisited his stall
Found him sitting with his chin held with his palms
Blank eyes face down focused at the flat pavement
What might have happened meanwhile, I wondered
Lips tight he moved his eyes to the empty grey kiosk
All the fruits have  left me, Sir,  leaving me all alone
No angel in the air, a hollow world in the bouquet



John lived just two houses away from my apartment
Around twelve in the night a sobbing sound alerted me
I stole a look through a window at the revolting scene
He was beating a pretty woman seemingly his wife


This morning I heard a mendicant passing by the road
Singing a  folk song of Bengal current through ages
You have no idea my heart you have no knowledge
How many persons live inside you, you have no hunch


August 23, 2019
Wow Me Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Nina Parmenter
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

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Poteet Avatar
August 26, 2019 at 10:00 PM
Marvelous, Probir, your narrative kept me on the edge of my seat. Great characterization! congrats on your win.
Gupta Avatar
August 27, 2019 at 12:30 AM
Thank you, Reason ...
Lamoureux Avatar
August 26, 2019 at 9:09 PM
A pleasure to read your wow piece. Congrats.
Gupta Avatar
August 27, 2019 at 12:31 AM
Thank you so much ...
Kereopa Avatar
August 26, 2019 at 5:34 PM
Congratulations on your win and magnificent storytelling. I’m standing looking out the window with you. That ending packs WOW factor.
Gupta Avatar
August 27, 2019 at 12:33 AM
I am honoured, Georgia ... Thank you ....
Awtry Avatar
August 26, 2019 at 4:11 PM
Wow...The ironic yet brutal honesty of this picture that you have described with such careful detail! Congratulations!
Gupta Avatar
August 27, 2019 at 12:33 AM
Thank you ...
Vangaveti Avatar
August 26, 2019 at 11:59 AM
"You have no idea my heart you have no knowledge How many persons live inside you, you have no hunch" - what an ending!!! That's absolutely true. We cannot believe the masks that we see. Great write !! Loved it :)
Gupta Avatar
August 27, 2019 at 12:35 AM
Yes, Swetha ... Thanks for reading and liking ...
Chiri Avatar
August 26, 2019 at 11:30 AM
Probir congrats on your wowing Nina!;)
Gupta Avatar
August 27, 2019 at 12:38 AM
Ha ha ... You are always naughtily wonderful ... Thanks for congrats ...
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