THE UNTOUCHABLES

Suppressed, smashed, broken to pieces,

they suffer in silence all over the world.

Living a life without being touched

is no life at all.

Being born a Punjabi Dalit, or with toxic genes

can render you unlovable.

Nobody will ever want to touch you.

You crave the unknown nourishment

of being held with tenderness

as you wrestle with self-loathing and guilt

about why you will never be wanted.

Resigned to the dull throb of being cast aside,

you limp along with all the rejects.

People sigh, and look away at melancholy eyes.

No one can bear to see the perfect private pain,

even though it may be worn with a smile.