Darshan

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