#4 - "THE QUESTION" by Suzanne Willey
January 3, 2009 Afternoon
"SERIOUSLY HEAVY BLING"
Later, in Old Delhi I am wearing diamonds so big and heavy I announce, “I need to go to the gym so I can lift my ring.” Claudia laughs and says, “That’s going in the blog.” Over lunch (chicken masala, dosas, and rice) we see bag after bag of diamonds. Without warning the power goes out and Glen, smiling, rhetorically asks, “Who would think this is possible?” I understand. Here in Old Delhi, two worlds converge. Outside of the cramped, gem flooded room where we’ve become holed up; a buzzing world is going about its daily business.
Here, rich and poor walk the same streets. It’s possible to gaze upon intense poverty and unimaginable wealth in the same instant. My eyes see what my head still fails to comprehend.
"WHAT'S HAUNTING YOU?"
At night, I am exhausted. Only Glen has the energy to go outside the hotel for dinner. When we retire to our rooms, it’s late. Before closing my eyes I attempt to reinvent the day’s happenings. I ask myself, “What was unforgettable?” I’ve learned to ask the question from Glen. Sometimes at dinner or during long car rides he’ll ask, “What’s haunting you?” So far, this question remains unanswered.
Later, in Old Delhi I am wearing diamonds so big and heavy I announce, “I need to go to the gym so I can lift my ring.” Claudia laughs and says, “That’s going in the blog.” Over lunch (chicken masala, dosas, and rice) we see bag after bag of diamonds. Without warning the power goes out and Glen, smiling, rhetorically asks, “Who would think this is possible?” I understand. Here in Old Delhi, two worlds converge. Outside of the cramped, gem flooded room where we’ve become holed up; a buzzing world is going about its daily business.
"WHAT'S HAUNTING YOU?"
At night, I am exhausted. Only Glen has the energy to go outside the hotel for dinner. When we retire to our rooms, it’s late. Before closing my eyes I attempt to reinvent the day’s happenings. I ask myself, “What was unforgettable?” I’ve learned to ask the question from Glen. Sometimes at dinner or during long car rides he’ll ask, “What’s haunting you?” So far, this question remains unanswered.
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