Dear Goddess Lakshmi, Do Not Come To Our Homes This Diwali

Dear Goddess Lakshmi,

Do not come to our homes this Diwali

We have enough money to burn up in smoke even as our cities choke and suffocate.
We wager our ill-gotten gains and surplus income on the serves of a card.

At least 2-3 cars adorn driveways that lead up to marble-clad floors,
And there are plans to get another one (‘cos there are such great offers running on Diwali!)

Our wardrobes stand testament to our endless desire of never repeating an outfit – that would be so embarassing, right?
Our shoes are more expensive than the combined salaries we pay to those who work for us day in and day out.

Do not come to our homes, Goddess Lakshmi.
Our coffers are full, but our hearts are empty.

But I will still light the lamps for you, Mother,
So that the road isn’t dark as you walk to someone who really, really needs you.