The Earthen Lamp Poem by Ruta Mohapatra

Each evening, she lights up the earthen lamp
Pouring a little oil, dipping a small cotton wick
Striking a match to see the flame rise and sway
To the rhythm of the breeze
Throwing shadows on the walls

The small hour of intersection
Between the day and the night
Feels the most peaceful
As she sits cross legged on the ground
Watching the oil burning away

All the events of the day
All the hurrying and the scurrying
To handle the housework and the job
Comes to a quiet end as she meditates
And takes stock of the day

So will come another day
So will come another evening
And she will burn and shine
Till the oil in her lasts
Then become an empty earthen lamp!