Still Life

Do you remember
The frazzled young woman
In a forgettable sari
On the pavement, beside the road
As we passed by in a rickshaw

Do you remember her face
Expressionless as she stood
Looking blank and waiting
With a big suitcase
And a little girl perched atop it

Do you remember the child
In a white-red princess frock
White hat with red polka dots
To keep away the June sun

The tableau they made
Young woman and child
Amidst the cacophony
Of whirling vehicles
And stuttering sounds

I still think of them
Wonder what their story was
What or who were they waiting for?
And what came of the waiting?