Village Fair

Time and place have changed,

from rural India, I have moved

to suburban America.

But nostalgia is the bridge

I walk across every day.

All those childhood memories

are vivid —

and the village fair is one.

We had fun

choosing colorful balloons.

The place burst with

a medley of smells

which still tickle

my nostrils —

dried shrimp, ripe mangoes,

pani puri, samosa, and sweets.

Women bought glass bangles,

toys, and ribbons for the kids.

It was a simpler time,

far before the internet's spell

and smartphone scrolls.

People waited for the fair —

to meet, greet, and share,

to create memories

that lasted forever.