Diwali Celebrity

Things changed all of a sudden With greetings and acknowledgements Pouring in from unfamiliar directions I have become A celebrity overnight The security men at the gate Stooped into my car With a loud “Good Morning, Sir” The launderer who irons our clothes The milkman and the paper-boy And the grumpy car cleaner Who cleans the neighbour’s vehicles The guy at the parking lot Of the supermarket God knows what he does The uncaring beggar on the streets Have all overnight turned over-polite Acknowledging my so far unnoticed Insignificant existence The watchmen in our neighbouring villas Who demanded my identity to be proved The other day to access their premises Jumped in front of my car Precariously to wish me a good day The cat was out when the young maid At my friend’s apartment Who blushes and hangs her head At my greying masculinity Was emboldened today To smile and look into my eyes And pronounce in no uncertain terms “Happy Diwali to you, Sir, and madam” Oh, I am a celebrity today Who the world has time to accept Thanks to Diwali Who cares about tomorrow All celebrities have to go