Parkhurst The Delaware

Each Diwali, Amma would light up Small earthen lamps From a big one, And ask us to place at Everywhere we have a connection with: The alcoves, the drain, the handpump, The manure mound, the hay-cutting machine, The tractor, bike, pumping set, The tethers where we tie cattle, And all the places and things that we own and use... As a child, I never understood the ritual, It was just a fun time to do it. But now, When I ride the Royal Enfield two wheeler For hundreds of kilometres, And it doesn't betray me, I feel a gratitude for it, I feel a humane respect, And adoration for it, Now, I deeply understand The ritual of placing earthen lamps Everywhere and on everything we own. Maybe that is how, We feel for the things beyond humans. - Padmanabh Trivedi, Transhumanist