the bus sometimes doesn't stop
because you are a bunch of schoolboys

that is your cue to take the zebra crossing,
reach the other side, catch a share maybe,
sit on the air left of the rikshawala
& look at the crossing for the last time now.

you cannot not use it; the least you can do is be thankful.
board a flight to nairobi via AUH,
safari to masai mara & find that naked zebra -

he is shaking but comes closer;
you touch him; he stands still and the gloomy loss
of stripes is forgotten

when you tell him a dream.
you ride him wild, overtake the corporation bus
& at the green light, when no one's crossing,
you steal the stripes & dress him oldly.

~Ajay
1/3/19