The earthen oil diyas
scrubbed clean, dried
in the sun. find their way
to the porch.
The brass ones washed
with tamarind, watch out
in the sunlight march imperiously
to the entrance.
The diyas are filled to the neck
with illupa nei . wetting the wicks
in the oil, I light the diyas at the
stroke of 6 in the evening.
The brass ones are on the steps
while the earthen diyas
go to the walls, gates,
porch and backyard.
An annual affair, the legend goes
Shiva created Muruga from
the flames of his third eye
to eliminate a demon Tanakasura.
The deepam shines through the hours
emit a modest light illustrating the dharma
modesty directs one to prosperity,
lifts the soul to eternal peace.
Meenas Poems 