Diwali Away From Home Poem by Arti Chopra

lit an earthernware lamp,
a lamp of light and hope,
I said a prayer, to my beloved Lord
to give me strength to cope.

I painted a colourful Rangoli,
symbolising the patterns and colours of life
I prayed to the Goddess Lakshmi
a prayer for the husband, from a wife.

I celebrated joyously, the festival of lights
sitting in a land far from my own
no dear ones, no friends so beloved,
and so I write my feelings in this poem.

When you are away from your land, and loved ones
and away from the throbbing pulse of the celebrations
its then, you realise the value and the joys you shared,
the exhilarating fun of the preparations.

The making of sweets days before,
the wrapping of gifts thoughtfully bought,
driving around madly in the traffic of the city
visitng as many Diwali melas as you ought.

The day finally dawns, Diwali is finally here,
the house resounds with sounds of joy and laughter
the homes are lit up beautifully, with diyas and lights
and the evening sky explodes with joyous crackers.

AH so sweet are the memories,
they bring a smile to my face
I have the memories, to revel in,
as here, of Diwali, there is no trace.

So In my own little way I create here, my homeland,
in my own way I recreate the ambience,
I make sweets, .light up my home, paint Rangoli,
I Know this period is one of transcience.

Soon I will be back in my land,
back within the colour and the celebration,
there will be many more joyous Diwalis
many more days of joy and elation.

I must keep heart and wait a while,
the time will fly fast and sure,
and then, when I am back in my own land,
my joy will be uadulterated and pure.