The monkey-show is on -
patient girl on haunches
holds the strings,
a baby in her arms.
Two red monkeys
in red and purple pantaloons
prepare to dance.
Crowd collects,
Naked to the waist,
the Master of Ceremonies'
drums frenzy, cracks whip,
calls the tricks
to earn applause and copper coins.
The circle thickens as the plot thickens,
children laugh, the untouchable women
smooth their hair. A coolie
grins at me, his white teeth
gleam in the sunlight.
Only the monkeys are sad,
and suddenly
the baby begins to cry.
Anticipating time for payment,
the crowd dissolves.
Some, in shame, part
with the smallest coin they have.
The show moves on.
The poem captures a familiar scene in most Indian cities - a street show of performing monkeys, dancing to the beat of the quavering drum.
The monkey showman in the poem 'Entertainment' represents poor rural entertainer who sustains life in utter hardships. In search of money, he moves from one place to another. He entirely depends on the favour of the public.
The crowd thickens as the show climaxes but melts away when the time for payment comes.
