You can get three for ten bucks-
plastic mugs with little hearts and “I luv you”.
by the steps, at andheri station
why would one need three? I dunno.

painted on rickshaw screens, truck tailboards
those three words again.
he’s telling the whole wide world;
rather profligate, no? but how cute. Well, in a way.

Paper rose cards, hallmark, archies.
Keychains. Wrapping paper. Movie hoardings.
This season’s. Last season’s. New!
Whittled on green in the ladies compartment. In a lift.
A heart, an arrow and two initials, entwined.
Last week’s countdown top ten hit. How very nice.

As the earth waits patiently,
dawn’s first fingers brush awake the sky.
Unbidden,
a scarecrow, arms extended, guards a parched field.
A cuckoo sings to the last moon.
This planet whizzes intent on its axis,
a path predetermined.