THE PARKING LOT
I
The first-ever Earth Summit
was given a big build-up for weeks,
almost like the death of Rajiv Gandhi.
In Rio
the world talks
of global warming
the ozone layer
pollution
and eroding rainforests.
At Nan Polok
the parking lot
humbles down
hundreds of our proudest
pines.
II
There was a parking lot in Shillong
that took a year and crores to build.
Why, I asked, was it not used to ease congestion?
It awaited the Minister for Roads to inaugurate,
who awaited the fall of his government.
And the waiting goes on,
for here they change parties and governments
like Hindi film stars changing dresses in a song.
