Sunday, 29 November 2020

Post-Diwali

 

It’s happened before that I haven’t put up

lamps for Diwali. The winds, grief or love

have stopped the flames and the darkness has been

my deep solace and festival enough.

 

It’s an odd goddess that discriminates

and does not step in through unlit gates.

Does her omnipotence flail in the dark?

Does her third eye need lights to navigate?

 

Surely those who could not afford the oil,

the homes left dark by personal turmoil   

have the greatest need for the gods to step in,

lift faith and fortune rather than recoil.

 

I’ll continue to let emotions strike

the match, the gods too may step where they like. 






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13 comments:

  1. Yamini MacLean29 November 2020 at 03:48

    Hari OM
    This hit home... as I and siblings keep vigil over a father in his final days; who missed his favourite dahl and roti at Diwali... lamps were low and few. Sending hugs. YAM xx

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    Replies
    1. Nilanjana Bose29 November 2020 at 12:14

      I'm so sorry, Yamini. Wishing you strength and tranquility. Hugs.

      Delete
  2. Joanne29 November 2020 at 07:41

    Your words struck me to the bone - the winds of grief. I was at Ray's aunt's today after Thanksgiving and I had to flee - just felt overwhelmed with sadness for my family for no good reason other than feeling loss and the past. Oh your words are so good. Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. Nilanjana Bose29 November 2020 at 12:19

      I'm sorry that you felt so low on a festival day, but glad that the words helped. Sometimes there is no reason for the melancholy except this collective, amorphous grief for all the losses of the past.

      Delete
  3. Elephant's Child29 November 2020 at 10:55

    Powerfully, heart breakingly familiar and beautiful. Again.

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    Replies
    1. Nilanjana Bose29 November 2020 at 12:20

      Thank you, EC. Glad you liked it, and always deeply appreciate your support.

      Delete
  4. J Lenni Dorner29 November 2020 at 11:51

    Wow. Even though I don't know the lore behind this, I feel the words on a deep level. Very moving.

    I hope your November went as well as it could and that you'll experience joy in the coming holiday season.
    There's a giveaway on my blog that ends today, if you're interested.

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    Replies
    1. Nilanjana Bose29 November 2020 at 12:24

      Thank you for visiting and for your well wishes, my November has gone as well as possible under the circumstances. Grateful.

      Will be over at yours shortly.

      Delete
  5. Alex J. Cavanaugh30 November 2020 at 00:17

    That is really powerful and emotional.

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  6. Denise Covey 3 December 2020 at 08:18

    So poignantly told Nila. I'm sure the gods will step in even without the lights. A beautiful concept well told.
    I hope you're settling back to life in Bahrain.

    Happy holidays! Thank you for all your help in 2020. Looking forward to more challenges in 2021!

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    Replies
    1. Nilanjana Bose3 December 2020 at 09:30

      We are almost done settling back - the last test is over in a few hours :)
      The gods have stepped in and up, haven't they? The vaccine is going to be rolling out in a few days.
      WEP has been comfort and sustenance, thank you! I'm looking forward to where the challenges take us all next year.

      Delete
  7. Hilary Melton-Butcher15 December 2020 at 21:42

    Hi Nila - it's not been an easy year ... for some a really difficult time - I feel for you.
    I hope we can all stay positive and sensible for a while longer - sadly others will carry on their journey - so we can carry on in this life and have peace in our hearts over the seasonal year end.
    Take care and all the very best while we see this year out ... then I sincerely hope 2021 will be kinder ... with thoughts to you ... and yes WEP keeps us occupied with interesting stories to read up - stay safe - Hilary

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