Your identity, and a paper slip is all you need
Join the terminal’s meandering queue
There’s no time of the day when it sleeps.
The hum of the belt, then a click and beep
And with a flourishing sweep, they permit you through the Security Check.
A couple of nail clippers, scissors, pluckers seized.
She argues it’s harmless, a probe for acupressure,
But they examine the thin knobbed steel rod thoroughly
Nothing nefarious about it though, yet it’s flung into a bin.
The loudspeaker blares with announcements,
Whilst the airport lounge with is buzzing with sudden camaraderie
Yet all drowns in the cacophony of silent airports.
Brief meetings at the airport terminal, sometimes spark
Long-standing friendships. The clock ticks as a desultory conversation subsides
Into hushed whispers…some place for secrecy!
Couples grab luxurious moments from hectic schedules
Indulge in a selfie, pose with an arm thrown to hold brokenness.
A romantic moment to be posted as an Instagram Story.
Bored parents rush into stalls that litter the space, spilling their goods and tastes
A tired hand offers an ethnic dish, an idli, a dosa or piece of khaman
Whilst the child shrieks at a hoarding that announces Vegan Coffee, Belgium Chocolate, Latte, and sandwiches.
For weary mothers little comfort the airport offers except a makeshift meal
Dig into a Burger, gulp that Cappuccino,or chew on the stale Bhatura
Let you fidgety child watch a movie, or buy it something trendy.
You can’t miss the hostesses, don’t ogle at the young beauties
Skimpily clad, they hug their stockinged long legs, waiting patiently.
They’ll guide you with flight’s intricacies. Harbour no other fantasies!
Here I sit wondering how the busiest airport runs full tilt
The world moves unimaginably, you pin a destination
And lo in hours you board and land falling off the map, flowing with anonymity.
Mumtaz Khorakiwala
2-7-2022
Picture Courtesy:Jose Martin Ramirez Carrasco
