There are People

there are people
who know what heartbreak is
to love and not be loved back
the meaning of simplicity
how to smile free
how to flee from despair
the address of the nearest post office
what it's like in Delhi
to walk down the roads in summer
what it's like to find a dustbin at metro stations
how to look at the trees
that stand as statues
not to stretch any ear
for a singing bird
the exact time to open the tap
the number of every bus
how to bargain with autowallahs
what to do when stuck in a traffic jam
there are roads under construction
there are unfinished metro tracks
and fly overs
the meaning of Delhi Jal board
how to beg at red lights
how to sleep on pavements
how to shit on pavements
how to sell smacks on pavements
how to sell coconuts
how to occupy a lady's seat
how to spit on the road
how to pee anywhere
how to brave from those apathetic eyes
hidden behind big, black glasses
how to swallow abusive words
how to go without food
how to abuse each other
what policemen do
what goes on inside AC cars
what it's like to be raped
what is blood, death and mercilessness
how to live below other fellow humans
how to somersault between vehicles
how to jump off a bus when conductor comes
how to remain obstinate when being chastised,
and there are people who don't.

aasif shah is currently doing his llb from government law college, mumbai. he writes poems and short fictions.