lights

Grandmother's hands trembled as she scrolled through her phone, discovering a Tamil poet's verse about oil lamps. The words transported her across decades—to her childhood village, where she'd watched her mother light diyas during festivals. She shared the poem on social media, expecting nothing. But comments flooded in. Strangers connecting to the same ancestral memories, the same golden glow. Someone sent cash through the platform, supporting the poet's work. Others shared their own stories, their own lights. That night, grandmother lit a diya in her apartment. Its flame flickered, casting shadows like memories. She realized the poet had given voice to something precious—their shared heritage burning bright, kept alive through connection.