When the Pahadi spoke

He spoke animatedly, his face aglow
Of elegant, dignified, Pahadi stock.
He spoke of ageing, loneliness and health
And the impact of the migration shock.
Of hardship and attachment as seasons go by
Of the regular, crunching uphill walk.
 
As I listened, noted and marvelled within
At the Pahadi’s resolute grit and smile
My eyes took in with utter fascination
His charmingly easy fetching smile.
The teeth; they were perfect, white with shine
Some secret mountain herb or chamomile?
 
After the conv, I popped the Big Q
‘Just how do your teeth fit the perfect Bill?
I spend on toothpaste, on dentist and brush
And yet my set are over the hill.”
He smiled again, that sparkle of white
And removed his dentures from behind the grill