Ashok Niyogi - At The Foot Of The Hills lyrics

Are they happy? In time warp. Six am. Shutters down, in this dusty town. Water boys hosing down dust into mud. One juice shop opens up, has he brushed his teeth? Middle aged women herd new brides, freshly bathed, incense. Temple with myriad flags, round the bend, on the hilltop. Vermillion and cow's milk, sandal paste ablutions of the gods. Black fumes from bus exhausts, morning start up with masala tea, in chipped cups. Taxis for share hawking their ware, round the bend, past the police barrier. Should I wait for the sweetmeat shops? Breakfast is oily omelet in untoasted bread. Should I wait for camera film, and get my car washed? Should I wait for urchins selling coconut kernel Through bus windows? Should I wait for the Hindi paper advertising sari sale and blankets with mountain wool? Should I wait, as I have done, for thirty years, for the booze shop to open at nine ‘o' clock?