Happy Diwali 2016!

I.

My Goddess will not stoop to count

the flames in a courtyard,

Her footprints are more likely found

where lives are dark and hard.

She’ll care nothing for creed and caste,

for spotless floors and plates,

She’ll find the orphaned child, unwashed,

far from the temple gates.

She’ll spurn the white of rice designs,

the richness of symbols,

She’ll be with the refugees crying

in dismantled jungles.

II.

I’m ready now – I’ve rebelled often,

to light my lamps in clay,

to roll my wicks from old cotton,

put ceremony away.

I’m standing here to welcome in

the dark as well as light,

the protocols and discipline

accepting moonless nights.

Whatever walks in at my door

will find a home in mine -

the silver fruits of moonlight, or

the darkness of starshine.

Double helpings today because today is Diwali!  Or Deepavali to give it its full name, the autumn festival of lights in India, where we celebrate the victory of good over evil as symbolised by light and dark. As a poet though, I vaguely resent the equating of dark with evil and ignorance and ungodly, heck, I like darkness, it's restful, it's usually a good contrast, and it does a way better job hiding the wrinkles! Actually, too much light blinds as effectively as darkness.

I also feel absurdly pleased when festivals coincide with the weekly blogging schedule, is that crazy or what?! 

A very happy Diwali to you if you are celebrating, and happy autumn/ spring/transitions if you are not!