It is Diwali, joy enfolds,
wishes fly in the air
mobile phones experience
a sweep, no more greeting
cards, emojis, Gifs, videos
swarm in like wild bees.
Waking up to the noise
of exploding fire crackers,
I climb down the stairs,
go through a leisurely
oil bath, a must for Diwali,
warming the sesame oil .
gently rubbing through the hair,
massaging the body, washing off
with Shikakai rinsing with
warm water,
being a physical cleaning of the body
along with the spiritual cleansing
of the mind. Perform an abridged puja,
followed by marking new dress with turmeric
paste being another tradition I adhere too.
I walk to the nearby temple, draped
in a new green saree, worship for a while
break coconuts and return home
for a heavy feast. The ceremonial
oil bath induces sleep, My eyes close , however
much I tryt o keep them open, I sleep
hours together as there are none
to wake me up, except my husband
who is engrossed in browsing. Past the age
when children would bother demanding
things unheard off or engaging in quarrels,
I dream of peace on earth and the contentment
that comes with it.
Meenas Poems 