Lighting lamps

Earthen lamps, candles, lanterns
and strings of tiny lights
all awaiting to be lit
trying to illuminate the hazy skyline.

Gaily wrapped gifts, boxes of dry fruits
and the ubiquitous mithai*
to be exchanged and shared with close ones
the leftovers to be distributed as a sign of largesse.

Petals, rice flour, limestone powder
to make beautiful patterns on home entrances
welcoming the deities and the guests
one designated day to do so.

A festival of lights, of celebrations
defeating darkness with light 
evil overcome with  goodness
the darkness within may still remain.

Written for dVerse. Today’s host Ingrid says: For this challenge, I want you to write a poem using only concrete nouns, subject matter and imagery. For the purposes of this exercise, the following words are banned: soul, love, lust, dreams, sorrow, suffering, heartache, wonder, etc.

In India we celebrate Diwali/Deepawali tomorrow. Happy Diwali to all those who celebrate. 🪔

*mithai- Indian sweets, confectionery, sweetmeats

Advertisement