By Mike Bhangu

Mimic me, mimic me but not the myths that circulate the Punjabi community. Mimic the renaissance me and not the fabricated stories of a gangster’s living.

Perhaps it’s the work of the Devil?  Perhaps it’s due to my skin colour?  Or perhaps it’s a mix of all the mentioned combined with my troublesome nature?  Troublesome I am when facing an injustice.  Troublesome I’ve been challenged by tyrants.  Troublesome I remain so long as there’s a good fight in the distance. 

And if there is blame to be laid, point the finger at my genes and the hero stories that raised me. My mind is filled with countless tales of one person defeating all odds for the betterment of humanity, and my genes are coded with memories of saint-soldiers who toppled corrupt kings.

Yet, one lesson these stories failed to teach me and that be the tactics of a cowardly and savvy enemy. Afraid they are to stand toe-to-toe, so they discredit the name hoping others might not side with the truth.  And now I again retreat from the world so that I may come back immune.

Watch me close, as my strength grows. It’s a strange phenomenon that’s proven itself many times before. Under siege, my subconscious forces my body, spirit, and mind to become more.  Firing bullets in my direction only makes me stronger.

Mimic me, mimic me and imagine the change we might bring.  Mimic me, mimic me and together we can experience the heights of living.  Mimic me, mimic me, but only if the renaissance me.

Mike Bhangu is a Merritt based writer and actor.