Hindustan Times
State of the Onion Report
If you are poor, you can feel it
If you can buy it, you can peel it
The onion is a strange thing, I say
Its presence makes an Indian cook’s day
But suddenly, it all gets pricey
When the supply turns a tad dicey
Sparks howls of protests from upset folks
Who cry in anguish, crack some jokes.
It is known to have toppled rulers, this root
Electorally pungent, slogan-friendly to boot
No wonder ministers mumble and stumble
When asked questions on this veggie humble
Poor Mr. Pawar, Maharashtra’s don
Was known to show some political brawn
But his sway over this layered crop
Makes his ministry a veritable flop
So the pink-hued item turns a hot potato
And then we also have a costlier tomato
Who do we blame for this culinary mess?
When we ask them questions, they just digress!
The answers lie in the fields of Nashik
Or beyond in Latur, where grows this kitchen classic
The irony then lies when we move to order,
onions then, from the across the border!
Imagine a housewife, in a strange epiphany
Crying, “Delicious” as she smells an onion Pakistani
Can an imported garnish ease some tensions?
Can pyaaz bring pyaar, with honourable mentions?
