Rush Hour

suicidal traffic
diamond ear studded
driver
flashes smiles
at
flocks of schoolgirls
uniformed
long black plaits
weaving bicycles
through clogged jam
ringing bells
like film extras

sulphurous scent
of the approaching storm
charges currents
of excitement
through the teeming hordes
workers
jostling and shoving
eager to get back home
to a room
housing an entire family

and then
from the comfort
of my car I am
inspired
to capture
this pulsating vignette
which eludes me
from pen to page