Cracked feet that have never known slippersPlanted firmly against the red soilThat bleeds into her feet a permanent stainShe squats by the sluggish cerise tinged riverUnder a heavily laden tree with debauched fruitOverhead a spicy zephyr stirsLeaves with red veins
A fist full of rustKnotted into her sari butNot before, she takes a pinchRaw and salty it stays on her tongueShe embraces its abrasive journey down her throatAs did the red earth when it envelopedHer stillborn child in its womb
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Illustration: Vishnu Prasad © All Rights Reserved