Habitus

       Why don’t you wear a turban?

        It’s a good question. 

        I go to temple

        And I call myself a Sikh. 

        Now that I think about it

        Maybe I will. 

        

        I don’t want to be served by you

        I wonder why. 

        Oh, it's not your fault

        I’d just rather someone white. 

        The sad thing is

        She’s not white either. 

         

        I thought your house would smell.

        She looks expectantly

        Waiting for me to laugh.

        Sorry to disappoint you

        But I eat more than curry. 

     

        You might need this

        Have I dropped something? 

        No, this stranger is selling 

        A product that lightens skin 

        It’s 2018 in Melbourne

        Is this really happening?

       Why don’t I wear a turban?

        I already stand out 

        I can handle being different

        But that would be too much.

        Now that I really think about it,

        Maybe I won’t.