SHE STOOD IN LINE SINCE 3 am - By Devesh Bhatt

She stood in line since 3 am,

This winter felt real cold,

The bank said there's no currency,

her life was put on hold.

There was no money for begging.

There was none for her to borrow.

People had hope for the better days.

How could she share her sorrow?

She stood in line since 3 am,

No earnings for the day.

How would she feed her little one?

All she could do was pray.

There was food for begging,

But that too had a line.

She got enough for the night,

With hope it'll be all fine.

She stood in line since 3 am,

It was her fifth day.

They said there was no currency.

She no longer wished to pray.

Those who could bear, were able.

She could not bear the wait,

She went for work, for mercy.

The contractor reduced her rate.

She worked onsite since 3 pm,

She worked till it was dawn.

By the time her turn came to collect,

Half her wages were gone.

The hunger and sweat gave sickness,

None that she could afford.

The contractor said, don't worry.

Soon all will be restored.

There was no line at 3 am,

People said, the money had come.

The nation knew that few had died,

In line for a measly sum.

But none knew of another line,

Where nameless bodies piled.

Including those of women,

who came in with a child.