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On Republic Day colleagues from HCL asked if I wanted a blessing.
Hindu Temple elephants walk a neighborhood beat 
two-wheeler repair and phone card stalls
apothecaries and salons exchange a few rupees for
an elephant to bless their customers or the shop.
Colleagues gave me rupees
the mahout on the painted elephant came over
when the the money is held up
it’s taken by the elephant trunk 
but mine was given back and
everyone laughed at the common ruse
“It’s not enough, the elephant wants more!”
They gave me more rupees and now sufficient
the mahout accepted the cash
the elephant relaxed its trunk onto my head
the blessing feels the weight.