Deepavali - ‘the Festival Of Lights' Poem by Dr John Celes

If light must enter every space,
And dispel darkness upon earth,
It must be bright and held aloft,
And permeate all corners, nooks!

If good must win over evil,
Open your hearts and feel contrite
For sins, you did both seen, unseen,
And ask God's pardon in earnest.

If sounds of crackers must give joy,
Just think of those lives that got lost,
Trying to make them for your sake,
Putting their own lives at great risk!

If sweets and savories taste swell,
Remember those who toiled for you,
Both day and night, for weeks ahead,
To make them dainty to relish!

If clothes anew makes you feel great,
Think of those unlucky naked,
Who can't afford to hide their frame,
And spend their lives upon pavements!

If you visit temples to pray,
Give alms to beggars on your way,
And make them glad and beam out smiles,
And watch their faces glow with joy!

Yet, one must celebrate this day,
And feel much happy, come what may;
Giving and sharing gives more joy
Than receiving but well, enjoy!

‘Happy Deepavali to all Indians world-o'er! '
Copyright by Dr John Celes 12-11-'12