Singapore

Singapore. 

(Nothing too original here)

I have no country but you

but sometimes I wonder

if

if

i can claim you as mine

if I am questioned by others,

viewed as a threat, an " other" ,

from time to time. 

Is that not always the lot of the minority though, 

and also a privilege- 

to therefore be able to identity 

with the minority everywhere? 

Not ever the same 

but maybe a window, a doorway, a sliver of space through which I could step in to feel

that pain.

Today's newspaper headlines sent a quiver of dread down my spine

New Variant. From 2 travellers from India. 

and I brace myself. 

for all the suspicion and assault that may come my way 

I am always on the stand here in you,

my country, 

where I was born and grew up and studied and work, 

on the stand to defend my right to belong,

to feel the question cast my way - 

Am I from India or here? 

How far back do I have to go to prove it and prove it 

It will never be enough .

Singapore 

I love you. 

you are mine

but am I yours? 

you keep me safe 

so safe

and also rajapaksha safe

not sure how I feel about that

so many things right

so many many

and so many wrong

like any relationship I suppose

we work together 

you shape me

and I you? 

maybe? 

dare I? 

can I? 

-‐-----

I worry my poem will make others uncomfortable 

but also that it is not very new

There can be no unproblematic ties to anything