Bhavatu sabba-mangalam

Not in that longed for moment
not in knot
nor bound in ring,
not in the flower and bouquet,
the pouring of atha pan
the chanting 
the consecration of approval
of beta-sheafed worship,
not in lamp, wick or flame
the roll of drum
or swirl of dance,
not in celebratory kiss
the prosperity wish 
of the punkalasa 
the abundance wish of rice
but in the tear drop and near drop
the breaking and awakening
the everyday of togetherness
the hurdles of wrong-word
wrong-time
and doubt-rats mocking
irreversibility;
for these and little else
a simple line to murmer:
‘May there be every blessing!’

[Published in the UNDO Section of 'The Nation', inspired by the photography of Rukshan Abeywansha and with thanks to Mithila and Wasana]

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