The Other

Some peer at him as he moves down the road

Draped in a saree with neat pleats and folds.

Clapping as he nimbly makes a move from one car to the other.

Asking for money as they stop at the signal

In every busy street, buses, trains or public places

That you board

The clap resonates the echoes of heart-wrenching story.

Some jeer at him, as he has no gender of his own

A stigma or blessing who knows?

They sing and dance and entertain the households

To celebrate the birth of a child

And bless the child abundantly for not being one of them.

We wonder, we Stare,

A safe distance is what we maintain.

It is not good to dare

Discarded from society

For not being one of us.

He moves,

" He is violent, No, No She is aggressive,

Dangerous !" some say

But no one knows what goes on in their heart

After all living, a tabooed life is truly an art.

They are also human

Then why are they looked down upon

They are a part of us

And yet Apart.

I see him come to my window

And plead for money

I place a note in his hand

And he stares at me perplexed

Then blesses me abundantly.

And disappears from there.

I wonder cant we change our perspective

For that is what matters the most,

Can't we look up to them with respect?

Can't we Change our gaze

If you and I have the right to live

Why can't they be treated with respect?