“6×6=36”

            – Homophobic Slur in Nepal




            around traffic jammed buses

                        under the sun

                 in patchy makeup, fuchsia saree

                        exchange

                 three loud claps of blessing

                        for cash
                                                                            every passing car

                                                                                              a potential cash

                                                                                    so stand under streetlights

                                                                                              in moonless midnights

                                                                                    in sequined minis

                                                                            and shadow glitter
            come as

                        an ingredient for ritual

                        an entertainment in celebration

                        a deity on sacred annual event

            smile and collect every donation

                 smile and collect every slur
                                                                            rest of the year, remain

                                                                                                       a disowned son

                                                                                    a failure in manhood

                                                                                                 not quite a woman

                                                                                                     not even a human

                                                                                    just remain     miss     understood
            so alter the skin

                 of fixed routines

                 as untouchable madonna

            moonlanding whore

                 bag that cash

                        & continue living
                                                                            look out from the bus in jam

                                                                                              see through midnight taxi

                                                                                    watch during the festivals

                                                                                              observe quietly

                                                                            the future awaits sujan

                                                                                             shed your skin accordingly