She Sells Culture

Strange smells

Of turmeric and honey

On my face

Make me think

Cosmetic fragrance

Has no place

Glistening skin

Of the seller

Promises more

Than a sleekly designed case

Raw appeal

Of freshness

Against

Packaged hopes

With an expiry date

Wins hands down

I choose organic beauty

Over a ‘fixed’ face

Mango leaves and marigold

Entwined festive spirits

Earthen oil lamps

Replace electric magnificence

I love chocolates

But am sold on

Home-made stuff

To sweeten

Celebrations

Goddess Laxmi

Looks happier

In imperfect idols

Than digital displays

The little village girl

With crooked teeth

Smiles her way

Into my

Diwali shopping wallet

She sells culture!