Ode to a Bakery

So the other day I wanted some biscuits

Not just ordinary biscuits, mind

The biscuits I was craving

Had got to be light and crisp

Oozing with butter

Packed into square boxes

Immediately after they had cooled

Straight from the oven.

But it was morning!

What to do?

I was craving them –

And so were all my Bombay friends!

So I had to buy not one box but a dozen!

I phoned City Bakery

(Which opens for retail sale on weekday afternoons)

“Yes, you can come,” said Salamat Irani.

I rang the bell, he opened the door, I entered.

The door stayed open, just a sliver, behind me.

An elderly gentleman eased his way in,

Opening the door slightly more.

Two fat ladies entered

Chatting away animatedly

About the last dentist appointment

While they waited their turn.

A group of children came in

Then someone’s driver

Soon there was a big crowd waiting.

They had appeared mysteriously

Gravitated to the open City Bakery door

(Which stays closed all morning, every day)

Like ants when you drop a few grains of sugar.

Patient but eager,

They waited for their biscuits,

While my boxes got filled.