Lamp of Light

By Sarala Balachandran
 
 Sarala's poem is ILA's one out of sixteen BIWEEKLY picks we chose to be published on our Blog.
 
 

In this vast expanse of universe
 I see myself as a tiny lamp
 in the midst of a dark forest
 which flickers every time
 giving a loving glance
 to the passerby.
 The little lamp I am.
 I am humble and simple
 but when it's about to blow out
 no one comes to pour little oil
 I struggle till the end to keep flickering!
 When soot gather around every time
 I see a divine little child
 comes with a bottle of oil
 sits next to me and with love
 pours the oil and I start burning again
 with happiness, spreading light around!
 She smiles and folds her hands in obeisance
 and goes away leaving me alone
 in the midst of the little forest!
 she promised to come again
 when I am about to blow out
 helping me kindle throughout my life!
 Soon, I see pretty flowers blooming
 next to me spreading fragrance
 to keep me happy, wondrous are God's ways.
 Small little snakes crawl by
 without harming anyone.
 They too, lift up their hood to the dim light I am,
 caressing me all over!
 Let me be a burning lamp throughout,
 in the dark to show everyone
 the path to brighter days!