47 A prolonged narrow border. Positioned neatly between two flattened, prostrated playfields of black hair, oiled. A strange partition. Ma's parted hair Colourless sun-dried skin, skimmed thoroughly on the maternal chulha The aesthetic spectare of impassive orange coals descending into nothingness, The urgent comfort of passengers travelling in the northern winds of Punjab, granted. Ma's parting has been prolonged, long. Extending to the back of her neck Negotiating her spine to bending Negotiating. Bending.