A Middle Class Personhood

Rushing to catch the bus, feet on the ground

No seats to be found, but I squeeze in somehow

Cabs and autos pass, a cheaper fare in sight

I choose the crowded bus, for financial might

Late at the bank, the manager's stern face

Scolding me harshly, a stressful place

But I explain the delay, the bus's winding way

Through the city's chaos, before reaching the bank's door today

A call from my sister, her voice on my mind

"Didi, the loan man's coming, and he's so unkind"

I reassure her calmly, "Don't worry, I'll provide"

Tears well up, a hand on my shoulder, a gentle guide

A forced smile, a brave face, but she's not convinced

She sees the truth, my heart still pinched

Evening falls, a call to my mom's warm voice

"Don't worry, dear," I say, a comforting choice

The loan's paid soon, her pride shines through

We chat, laugh, and share moments anew

My sister joins, and our laughter fills the air

Virtually together, yet somehow we share

The next day's same routine, same crowded space

Manager's absence a blessing, a stress-free place

A smile from a stranger, a gentle inquiry too

"Late again?" I nod, and smile, and get to work anew

She joins me for lunch, shares her food with me

A kind gesture, a moment of simplicity

But then a call from home, a mix of fear and cheer

My sister's passed for medicals, my heart leaps with joy and fear

We need more money, a treasure opportunity

I nod, and promise mom, "We'll make it happen, don't you see?"

Tears of joy and worry, a mix of emotions so true

I'll find a way, I'll make it work, for my sister's dream anew

Overtime jobs, delivery work, I take the extra mile

For a month, I work hard, and send the money with a smile

For her education, and the loan man's due

I'll do whatever it takes, to see my sister through

Even in the toughest phase, I find a way to smile

I try to solve the problem, instead of letting it pile

This is a beautiful sadness, a mix of pain and pride

A story of resilience, of love that won't subside

In this darkness, I find a light

A reason to keep going, a beacon in the night

My sister's future, my family's hope

I'll do it all, with a heart that cope.

-Ramla Fatima