delhi

she stands

high and mighty

regal, royal

haat of this country

large neat roads

with important-sounding names

old-red charm

of forts and monuments

janpath, quick bargains

lush colours, against

the pillar-white

of connaught place

hauz khas

trees and brick

dim alleys

quaint shops, cafes

pigeons, peace

at jama masjid

rickshaws zip

through narrow gallis

paratha, lassi

kebabs, rabdi

metro, people

in impersonal proximity

big cars, small cars

those on foot

those on the footpath

she sustains all

she is proud

she does not embrace

but will lend herself

to open arms.