DOWRY

Sudden cold days
like today
were cruel indeed
his push cart
of daily living
pierced the fog
of memories

all day he
looks intently
at hands
of girls and women
picking up
veggies from the cart

all he sees
her henna hands
pleading for mercy
the rest of her
in flames
matching the
red of his eyes

it was too late
to regret
or grab her back

notes of all
denominations
in his pockets now
always stained
in blood

sudden cold days
or sunny days
all meaningless
remorse now
his lifelong dowry !