Growing up competition entry -

The Lil Flame

30th October morning, a friend sends this lil girl a greeting,
Of profound significance, of greater meaning...
It reads:
In matters of style, swim with the current,
In matters of principle, stand like the rock

30th October evening, the puja thali*, deities, and lights seem rather fascinating to her
As the lil girl joins her family for a ceremonious prayer.

As her ma fervently recites prayers of praise,
A burning flame catches her gaze.

She observes the flickering light with interest,
So much a part of the festivity, yet distinctly different from the rest.

It was born a lil while ago on an oil immersed cotton wick,
As its story unfolds, a hero’s life it will mimic.

Every second it faces the breeze and ma’s breath,
Which threaten to cease its identity, a constant looming threat

But with panache it moulds to such gusts of adversity,
Gloriously rising to deal with them, rather than become an extinct object of pity.

It flickers, it sways, and it dances with alacrity,
Peaking to awe-inspiring heights in moments of silence and serenity.

This lil flame teaches the lil gal a lesson in life,
A life where uncertainties with ups and downs are rife.
To adhere to principles yet contour with style,
To go that extra mile with a beatific smile

Thus it brought to life, the mornings greeting,
Truly indeed! Of profound significance, of deeper meaning

Eventually, the lil flame reaches its final breath,
Emits its largest and best glow, before it succumbs to its imminent death.

Inspiring the lil gal,
To live life with the same grit and joy,
To give her best to this world,
Before she too finally bids good bye!

* puja thali – prayer plate, a part of prayer rituals with offering to God.