The writer who lives a double life
A cautionary tale about the dangers of being blinded by fame and neglecting the practical aspects of survival
Behind the bustling streets of Singapore, where the skyline constantly evolves with towering skyscrapers, lies an army of tireless migrant construction workers whose hands shape the city's ever-evolving skyline. These workers are the unseen architects of Singapore's cityscape, toiling under the relentless sun and handling back-breaking labour for meagre wages. They worked day and night, lifting heavy materials, operating machinery, and assembling the steel and glass structures that define Singapore's modernity. Their contributions are integral to Singapore’s continued development, yet their sacrifices often go unnoticed in the shadows of the skyscrapers they construct.
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Most of these migrant workers came from Bangladesh, leaving behind families and familiar lives in search of better prospects. They arrived with dreams of financial stability and hopes of supporting their loved ones back home. Yet, their reality in Singapore is often harsh and unforgiving.
Mohammed Mukul Hossine was one such worker, yet he stood apart from the rest. Unlike many of his compatriots, Mukul was literate, with a profound love for literature and an inherent flair for words. But Mukul’s talent with words could not land him a stable income back in Bangladesh, and the lack of job opportunities constrained his employment outlook. The only viable option for him was the gruelling work as a construction labourer in distant places like Singapore, far removed from the creative world he longed to be part of.
For these migrant workers in Singapore, the promise of a brighter future is tainted by the immediate challenges of their demanding jobs. Every brick laid and beam erected under the scorching sun was an unyielding task that sucked up every ounce of their physical and emotional strength. Mukul toiled tirelessly under these conditions, his hands calloused from hard labour. Life as a migrant worker was no easy feat. Mukul faced countless other hurdles – language barriers, homesickness, and the constant struggle to make ends meet. Yet, amidst the dust and debris, his spirit remained unyielding, fueled by a passion that transcended his daily grind. In the dimly lit corners of his crowded dormitory, Mukul found solace in his pen and paper, weaving verses that echoed the struggles of his soul. Every spare moment was devoted to his craft, every spare penny saved for a chance to share his words with the world.
Initially, Mukul scribbled his verses on scraps of paper, capturing fleeting thoughts and emotions amidst the chaos of his environment. His words were a sanctuary, a reprieve from the physical hardship that weighed him down. His colleagues often saw him as an enigma—a poet amidst builders, a dreamer amidst doers.
Despite the odds stacked against him, Mukul's perseverance in his writing eventually bore fruit. His raw and evocative poetry caught the attention of Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the conditions of migrant workers in Singapore. TWC2 offered not just aid but also a platform for these workers to express themselves. It was through this organization that Mukul's poetry found its first audience.
TWC2 introduced Mukul to Cyril Wong, a prominent Singaporean poet. Wong was struck by the raw emotion and vivid imagery in Mukul's verses. He saw in Mukul not just a migrant worker but a genuine poet whose voice needed to be heard. With Wong's mentorship and encouragement, Mukul's poems were translated into English, making them accessible to a wider audience.
In 2016, Mukul's first collection of poems, “Me Migrant,” was published. The book was a poignant reflection of his experiences, blending the pain of displacement with the enduring hope for a better life. It garnered significant attention, both locally and internationally. Readers were moved by the authenticity of his voice, and Mukul soon found himself in the spotlight, a symbol of resilience and talent amidst adversity.
The fame brought Mukul a new kind of recognition. He was no longer just a construction worker; he was a poet, celebrated and respected. Yet, the reality of his life remained complex. The income from his book was not enough to sustain him and the fame did not alleviate the necessity for him to work on the construction site, but it did offer him a renewed sense of purpose and identity.
From then on, Mukul lived two lives. During the weekdays, he donned his safety gear and returned to the construction sites, where he lifted heavy materials, operated machinery, and endured the gruelling demands of physical labour. However, come weekends, Mukul would exchange his work boots for more polished shoes. His weekends were filled with engagements that stood in stark contrast to a migrant worker routine. He found himself shaking hands with celebrities, intellectuals, and art enthusiasts. Mukul was interviewed by CNA, where he spoke eloquently about his journey, his poetry, and the experiences that inspired his verses.
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As Mukul's fame grew, he became increasingly absorbed by the spotlight, basking in the admiration and recognition. Invitations to speak and perform poured in, and he eagerly accepted each one, seeing them as opportunities to further his literary aspirations. However, in his eagerness, Mukul failed to recognize a harsh truth: none of these activities brought him any financial income. Despite being celebrated and respected, Mukul was also broke. The small income from his book was quickly exhausted, and he struggled to put food on the table.
His construction firm employer grew increasingly impatient with Mukul’s declining performance. The constant fatigue from his dual life affected his work, and he often arrived late or called in sick. His lack of focus and energy on the job became a source of frustration for his supervisors and colleagues, who relied on every worker to meet demanding schedules and quotas. The once supportive environment turned critical, and warnings escalated into ultimatums.
Eventually, the situation reached a breaking point. Mukul's employer, unable to tolerate his poor performance any longer, did not renew his contract. The loss of his job was a devastating blow. With no one willing to employ him, Mukul quickly realised he could no longer stay in Singapore to continue his literary pursuits. The fame that had once seemed like a beacon of hope now felt like a cruel illusion.
Forced to return to Bangladesh, Mukul faced the harsh reality of his situation. The fame and recognition he had enjoyed in Singapore evaporated, leaving him with nothing. Back home, he found himself struggling to rebuild his life, haunted by the dreams that had once seemed within reach. The poetic verses that had brought him acclaim now seemed distant and hollow in the face of his everyday struggles.
Mukul’s story is not a fairy tale of a successful writer but a profound reminder of the delicate balance required to pursue one’s dreams while meeting the demands of everyday needs. His experience serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of being blinded by fame and neglecting the practical aspects of survival.
Mukul's dual life as a construction worker and a poet demonstrates the challenge of balancing creative aspirations with practical responsibilities. Artists and writers alike should strive to manage their time and energy effectively, ensuring that their basic needs are met while pursuing their dreams. It illustrates how fame and recognition, while gratifying, do not always translate into financial success. Remain grounded and focus on sustainable ways to monetize your work to build a long-term career.
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I wish he was not taken into by fame so much. Being grounded would have worked in his favor. Just thinking aloud.