In this evocative verse, Neelam, puts on a make-up of values, of spiritual satisfaction, for unity of the people. At a time of clashes and divisions, of terrorism and deaths, her resolve is like a prayer in action. Here’s a verse rooted in contemporary realities. As part of the special feature on Diwali, for Different Truths.
Usually, I shudder
At the thought of having to put on make-up –
It’s almost like spraying perfume
On a pretty flower which is His creation;
But this Diwali, I think,
I shall modify my routine
And act differently…
Yes, you’ve heard correctly –
I shall put on a lot of make-up!
I shall cover my hair
With wigs of long flowing silky vivacity,
I shall put on an indigo bindi
Of spiritual satisfaction,
I shall wear the vivid mascara
Of high-spiritedness
With which my eyes shall glow,
I shall colour my lips with sparkle of smile
Which shall twinkle whenever I am down,
I shall do facial on my heart
And all murkiness and gloom shall be plucked out,
My delicate wrists shall exuberate
With the jingling of life
And I shall never hesitate to act,
My ankles shall be adorned
With verve of existence
And I shall dance on the paths of life,
And finally, I shall sprinkle fragrance
Of cheerfulness on my body…
This Diwali,
I hope to mingle bit by bit
With so much vigour, energy and enthusiasm
That we will be but one!
©Neelam Saxena Chandra
Pix from the Net.
Neelam Saxena, author of 84 books, holds three Limca Book of Records titles. She has received prestigious honours, including the Sohanlal Dwivedi Puraskar from the Maharashtra State Hindi Sahitya Akademi, the Premchand Award from the Ministry of Railways, the Rabindranath Tagore International Poetry Award, the Freedom Award from Radio City, the Setu Excellence Award, and the Reuel Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014, Forbes India listed her among the 78 most popular authors in India, celebrating her literary excellence.
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