When in the next stop
It is uncertain as to the passengers
Tea and coffee vendors will
Definitely board the train
Shouting at top of their voices
In the accent that is so natural
But difficult to understand
Like the brew
Half a spoon of instant coffee
Or a tea bag dipped in thin white liquid
Sufficiently sugared
Leaving the drops for the odd fly to taste
The morning arrived
With queues to toilet and wash basin
An expected stop throws open
The unfamiliar green lands
Wind creating ripples on the paddy fields
Moving with the train
The child smiles and cries at the
Strangers and family alike
Attention of the older children
Is on the food baskets of
Every passing vendor.