Why do we light lamps
On this moonless autumn night?

Because the harvest is in
And our work is done.
We are now in the hands
Of Lady Luck.

Why do we woo her,
Light up her way?
Because she is chanchal –
And we really, really
Want her to stay.

What is this
About a returning King?
We hope he’ll feel important,
And responsible enough
To keep our hunger at bay.

Why do you teach your children
Songs of light?
So they can sing them
To themselves
In the deepest night,
And know, that lighting a lamp
Is the surest way
To flicker in a smile.