On Diwali Night Poem by Dr. Bishnupada Sethi

I was unsure
If I were awoke
In the wee hours
Just before the Sun rise
On Diwali night
When I glanced someone
Walking away towards the doorway
From my bedside.

Sooner I realised
When looking around
None could have been there
As I was sleeping alone
In the large room
With a dim light casting shadows
Around the corner.

What do I say?
Was it only a dream as usual
A result of complex thoughts
Webbing our minds,
Never understood?

Hindus were celebrating-
Everywhere and in front of the grand temple
Lighting candles and sticks of
Kaunria wrapped with cotton
Dipped in ghee,
Singing hymns,
Offering sweet, flowers and fruits,
Observing age old rituals
Believing that our ancestors
Visit us on earth
During the period
Starting with Mahalaya
And depart for heaven
On this auspicious night.

What do I believe?
A dream!
Or she came to see me
Assuring of her abiding connection
Through a umbilical cord of love
Before departing again
For the permanent abode!

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