The day rejoiced in memory of a king's return from exile. The town kept awake, air choked on smoke and night drowned in cracker noise.
I kept vigil on the oil lamp ' its flame flickering nervously under the fan. To bless my home the Goddess of wealth would tip toe in, any time.
The dog was restless ' barking with renewed vengeance on each bursting sound. Ear plugs or muzzle didn't help to keep him quiet .
Some crackers flew to sky, some played on ground like a hungry fire. Birds darted blindly between burning sparks. In confusion they shrieked ' adding to a deafening fright.
My vigil lasted one night. The dog didn't sleep for many nights. Birds flew helter-skelter having lost their sense of time.
It's been a month since the night of auspicious turns. The town is still smoldering -- celebrating its surplus returns.
