We Embrace Diwali

'We Embrace Diwali' Luca M Damiani - Kiss&Arrow 2023 - www.lucadamiani-art.com

At this time of darkness,

We now need Diwali

Even more than ever.

We need that touch of multiculturalism

That fills us with joy and hope,

Rather than fear and division.

We need that touch of colours

In textured sands

And many lights

We need that touch

Of human smiles

To hug us all the way.

The good against the evil,

As a concept that I thought

Would not really exist.

I always thought

That it was too simplistic

To define and polarise.

But extremism has now brought

So much darkness

In our eyes.

Divisions, marches for “what peace”,

Mixing views of what “that protest”

Really means.

And we truly cannot,

Even if we try,

Help but cry.

Diwali : please bring a new beginning.

Diwali : please make hope win again.

Diwali : please give us gentle lights.

Coloured sands of dancing souls.

Prayers, fireworks and feasts.

Lights, hugs and a kiss.

We embrace Diwali

As we now absolutely need

A light in our day.

About the Author

Luca M Damiani is an Artist, Author and University Fellow, focusing his ongoing creative practice and research on disability, neuroscience, technology and nature. His work also crosses over with human rights and social design. Luca has a neurological disability (52% impairment of central nervous system function) and has had various visual art books and academic articles published, as well as being exhibited internationally. Luca has worked and collaborated with institutions such as BMJ Medical Humanities, Mozilla, Amnesty International, BBC, Science Gallery, Computer Arts Society, Disney, University of the Arts London, Yale University, Jewish Book Council, TATE, V&A and more.