Alvi continues to use images to communicate ideas about the concept of identity. The speaker describes how “a little air catches” his kameez. The fact that the air “catches” her kameez could represent the way in which she herself was captured by the new identity of the India she encountered in the bazaar. He then describes how the “colors leave” the street of the bazaar. Returning to the concept of evening between day and night and the speaker between East and West, the “colors” coming out of the street mean that night is coming. This is symbolic of the Eastern identity taking over and influencing it more, as the sun sets in the West, and could mean that Western culture has left with it. It is no coincidence that this example of imagery serves as a prelude to the climax of the poem, when she feels most connected to her Indian identity and the tone is proud, confident, and at ease. Finally, the speaker describes henna as a “peacock” that “spreads its lines” on his hand. The peacock is the national bird of India and spreads its lines on its hands. This is representative...