I entered the holy doors.
Merged into the crowd
with others. Shoved,
jostled for a glimpse of
the deity. Waiting
in line to be awestruck
with splendour and glory.
I saw people, devotees
pulled and pushed,
imbalanced on the feet
of their devotion.
Before I could reach there
I slipped out of the left door
into a much thinner crowd
pale morning just beginning,
fresh mountain air.
I felt welcome and goodbye
simultaneously settling
in the sanctum
a ragged sadhu smiled
waiting for others.
- Aanand
