All sediments settle down to the bottom of the jar
as the city sleeps
under the golden glow of sodium vapour lamps.
Yet,
from the sidewalk shadows,
a chuckle—
a light churning—
someone laughing in his sleep…

All shops in this other lane
where they sell only antique vessels,
stolen idols and mementos that had changed many hands,
are shut,
ancient padlock on each door.
There is no signpost,
no one to ask which way to go.
And the wind,
silent.