Identity

I left behind my identity
when I was forced to flee
and I need to prove my pedigree
while I am here
as a refugee.

I possess neither the ration card
nor my school diploma
nor the state subject certificate
nor the voters list-
my own, or of my family.

My status is under question,
my identity suspect,
for I am unable to adduce
any documents or evidence
or proof that I and my ancestors
have lived in my motherland
for five thousand years.

There are three hundred and fifty thousand here
who could vouch for me
but their testimony is null and void
for they, like me,
roam without identity.

Who am I,
oft do I ask myself,
and others too,
but a reply
is hard to come by.