Once middle class, or bordering it
Now, migrant
Not really mainstream
A service provider
A statistical note
A cog to keep prices low
In the meantime, fill stomachs
Feed families from Pindi to Palakkad
Yes, the sheer act is to recognise
And negotiate invisible glass ceilings
All an ephemeral act
Seen at home as an ATM
An outsider in the migrant Coffee shops
Drowning misery over Karak Chai
Watching Asianet on a Thursday night
Waiting for Jumma Nawaz on Friday
In the only crisp salwar
The only non work outfit in the suitcase
Waiting for the Kerala Dum Biryani after Jumma
The nap after the Biryani is gold
Then the passionate discussion on Nawaz
All waiting for the rooster to crow on a Sunday
For meter down,
For life to keep running
This life is better than working at Chawla Chicken or riding an auto
At least the migrant tag buys me respect
For whatever little it is worth
