It’s that time of the year again,
When the order of the day is all joy and no pain.

It’s the time for festivities and bright lights.
As they all gleam in reds, yellows and whites.

You’ve had your share of sweets, and yet there are more.
Eat just one apiece or it’s calories galore.

The nights are brighter than they’ve ever been.
The lights dance around and windows have a sheen.

Your relatives come in, and you have a good time.
You share a laugh with your cousins – your partners in crime.

A long lost friend drops in a cheerful greeting.
‘It’s been ages’, you say, and schedule a meeting.

And amid all the joy you hear a bang.
A hundred decibels! – your eardrums feel a pang.

For a minute or two, you can’t hear a thing.
The kid who lights another feels like a king.

The usual air is suddenly an all engulfing smoke.
Breathing seconds ago, you now begin to choke.

Your cringe and curse with both fists clenched.
‘I wish it rains’, you say, so his crackers get drenched.

The rain God laughs and mocks your desire.
You awkwardly look away; he’s fighting fire with fire.

Looking around you hope to find a sensible soul.
Saving the planet you realise, is a lonely role.

Endless amounts of trash strewn all over.
You hope and pray they wouldn’t stoop any lower.

You summon Lord Ram with a desperate yelp.
‘I am sorry’, he says. I am not a lot of help.

And looking down from your balcony, you helplessly sigh.
You hear nature whisper, ‘Stop or die.’