Re-looking at darkness in a new light

Why do we try to chase away darkness?
Why do we go chasing behind the light?

How did darkness become a synonym for death?
When in fact in the depth of the darkness
Of the womb and the deep soil,
A dormant seed sprouts into life.

Why is the motif of darkness demonic and the motif of light divine?
Do they not co-exist in one another,
With the fleeting light contained
In the very permanence of darkness?

Could it be because darkness sensitises our awareness beyond comfort,
That we have come to believe it to be our foe?
Could it be because light helps dilute this awareness by providing a distracted vision,
We have made it our ally...our over reliant ally?

Take a pause here and reflect,
on what is said versus what it is.
On how successfully narratives of all civilisations disenfranchised darkness
While creating a false need for the permeance of light.

Do we not invoke the darkness to rest, recoup and renew?
Or in the lovers embrace or while searching our minds?
Or when we want to soak in something into our very being?
We close our eyes to assimilate and find solace deep within, where no light can ever come in.

So, what is this grandeur around light then?
How does it dictate our life?
I wish I were a poet to put it eloquently,
But I guess it is what it is, when I say this:

Light is a matter of prerogative.
It is the first tool of power.
As fire, it first differentiated man from nature.
As electricity it differentiates brother from brother.

Thus we need these elaborate and sensationally orchestrated narratives around light,
To rob the lands from the indigenous, squeeze the last drop of oil from earth, restrict the flow of our rivers, fund new green energy projects...
Because you see, its still in the manifesto of the politicians and philanthropists to light every home that is still untouched by development with an incandescent bulb,
And for every bulb lit, they will celebrate it in their lofty skyscrapers under their crystal chandeliers.

O my dear darling friends,
Now will you please tell me this,
Do you still think darkness is all vile
And light meant to outshine?