Yeh Hai Bombay, Meri Jaan!

A short burst of energy, a hurried dash, a shout; that draw attention to themselves

While the more organised or then fortunate

As placid spectators awaiting their turn to join the frenzy

Cannot suppress a smile of empathy or appreciation

Amidst all this not a thought spared for the accumulating stress

That might culminate in a physical or mental breakdown

Adding another significant yet unnoticed and unacknowledged number

To the statistics of those relegated to the periphery

As abnormal, unhealthy or suicidal

A thought never spared for oneself, others

Or the real need or worth of this naturally imbibed stress

Till the city, a land of opportunities, exacts a price

Paid unthinkingly by those, who otherwise

Prefer to count themselves among the best, who walk the earth.