Is Tarah

Gustatory Ghazal

With the week rutted and feet beat,
She heads to where colors savory and sweet
Fill alleys and haats West and East
Meet, off Lodhi Gardens at Khan Market…
An evening smog retreat.

From gallery exhibitors she picks
Black oyster mushrooms tutonic,
Soft textured bread, cheeses Ladakhi to Swiss,
Coriander, peas, Thai spice leaves,
A palette of tomato cherries
Brought from Himalayas to Nilgiris,
Paying less than a restaurant bill.

The ingredients eager for acquaintance
With each other and the buyer,
In transit cook, of unique olfaction,
A recipe of sustenance and satisfaction…
Such that when she reaches the kitchen,
Actions painterly flow with abandon.

She sits down with the significant one
Who plays Raga Bahar then Nina Simone.

– Bolbul