in the bustle and hustle,
of the swarming bazaar by the quay;
a queue of stalls of aquatic display.
browsing through the catches;
shrimp, crab, oysters, lobsters on half-shell;
sardines, little tunny, cuttle, squid, anchovies;
tough to choose,
salmon to tilapia, cod to trout;
silver scales twinkled bright;
the dampened muddy ground beneath the feet;
a medley of clamour filled the air;
laughter, chatter, a vibrant affair;
clanking tools– slicing and cutting;
cacophony of buyers and sellers–
haggling and wrangling;
sights, sounds, smells—
the fishy air fills the lungs;
the briny scent;
reminiscent of the mighty cradle in blue;
swam free beneath the waves amidst reefs and corals;
caught in time’s web,
fate’s cruel twist and sway;
walking unsure;
night and day.

…

Beena E. S is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English, Nesamony Memorial Christian College, Marthandam. She has published a novel titled Thorns of Love. She has also published numerous poems in reputed platforms.