The Verse’s Shriya Ruparelia showcases her poem ‘Imagine Changing Your Name’ for us.
White washed and western
Ritesh becomes Ricky, Aishwairya to Annie,
Culture grinded, like cardamom seeds
To a pestle and mortar, a powder
It’s easier to swallow that way
Easier for who?
Not knowing what name
To turn around for when called
Confusion, divide
Mother wails ‘RITESH BETA’
Roti filled with pools of ghee
waiting on the table
Teachers scream ‘RICKY’
When scalding you
For mistakes in a language
You do not know yet
But you will always be Ritesh
the red line that appears underneath
Is a constant reminder
Of forced change, of forced empire
Ingrained now, that your names
Are too complex, too long,
But you are deserving, whole
Not to be condensed
Simplified for ease of this country
That it is meant to be our home,
But it is time to force-feed
Spoonful’s of spice, into the mouths
Of those that dispute that
That you aren’t whole as you are
Your names are beautiful,
Don’t apologise anymore.
Featured Image created by Max Bandelow
