Then and Now

Inspired by the Billie Holliday classic, Strange Fruit, and for the two young Indian women recently raped and murdered.

"Strange Fruit" By Bille Halliday   Southern trees bear a strange fruit Blood on the leaves and blood at the root Black bodies swingin' in the Southern breeze Strange fruit hangin' from the poplar trees   Pastoral scene of the gallant South The bulgin' eyes and the twisted mouth Scent of magnolias sweet and fresh Then the sudden smell of burnin' flesh   Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck For the sun to rot, for the tree to drop Here is a strange and bitter crop

Then and Now   Bright golden sarees a Holi melange of colour the epitomy of elegance even amidst the sand and cement of building works.   The Henna’d hands of painted brides tinge the pure white turbans of immaculate grooms in joyous hues of blushing unions.   The smell like roasted pig jars the morning air the rope, tarred and strong, anchors two strangely shaped aubergines in the forest trees Blackened charcoal fired with a remnant of red silk.