Identity

As a baby, you picked me up


Held me upside down


And while I bawled


You started your discrimination






At school, you brought in caste


Sub-caste, creed, religion


When Gopi, Mathew, Iqbal


And Melissa were just my friends





When I went to college


You made me a professional


While all I wanted was to sing


Dance, paint and read





When I looked for a job


You looked at my skills


And how you could use me


To achieve your ends





When I got married


You put a price on me


Made me a commodity


And walked all over my dignity





And when I grow old


You will make me a senior


label me unfit


And treat me special





When will you ever learn


That I am me


And will always be me


Despite whatever you say or do



M V J Simon