The Mason's Daughter Poem by Maheshwer Peri

'Hello'. She called out, my heart skipped a beat.
For me and many others, her voice was a treat
She teased me with her smile and a voice that haunts
She was aloof and meek, a mystery for the class.

We were in a market on a beautiful weekend
Walking past a construction site near the bend
And then an expectant 'Hello', that haunting voice
It was a slip, as she tried hiding with no choice

She carried pain, a sand filled pan and a chisel
Soaked in sweat, she was more radiant than a bible
Studying by the day and working by the noon
She was a mason's daughter, pleasant than the moon

Years have gone by, It was a meeting by fate
'Hello' she called out as if by cue, on the flight
Poise, swagger and a smile, she is now India's daughter
She is now a Collector, the same mason's daughter.