The 1960 Ambassador

When I was eight I wanted
the White 1960 Ambassador:
velvet seats and crank up windows
the pinnacle of luxury.

We would chase them in langas:
Chitu, Cheema, Dubbi and if the car
stopped, we would hold on.

We even unlocked the doors and sang
to Raj Kapoor tunes. We wanted
to grow up so we could drive
to Shekar Paradise Snacks
for Cadburies
and Tamrind Masala sodas

but now I visit
my village spotting
the ancient car
yellow like the skin
of the elderly. Sorry mustafas

my stilettos choke on Raichur dust.