In Transit: Matches

Matches are played in India with kites whose strings are covered with glue and ground glass. Each player attempts to sever the string held by his opponent.

The desert is no longer one…. green shades shadow the sand… lifting boys raise their arms into the sky. Upper Cuts to the gods, they balance and glide, prizes of balsa wood painted as elephants and tigresses.

The wind comes in, you smell the fresh color while players across the lane began their match. One string is cut; immediately the kite floats.

A freed kite sails over the roofs; there is great fun in catching it.

Go chase, see it float over peacocks and a medina of pink.

Rajasthan in late winter – Longings from the distant east…