THE LEAVES IN THE GARDENS OF SHALIMARGH BAGH

Autumn brings a rain of leaves from Maples and

Beeches, a golden carpet, thick as a jam sandwich.

Women sweep up the leaves, a task which seems

Sisyphean. They sweep with vigour, for the leaves

They collect represent warmth. The leaves are taken

Home and burnt. From the ashes charcoal is made.

Which will then be burnt again in the pots people

Carry beneath their cloaks. Men and women,

Pregnant with the warmth of Summer’s leaves.

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