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Two Earthen Wick Oil Lamps

by Manohar Naidu
(Virginia, USA)

Circa 1929, it was arranged and two earthen wick oil lamps were made to lighten the small home, where all lamps had gone off. One lamp was taking care of outdoor errands and the other was looking after domestic chores. Replenishing wick and oil within their small budget and keeping home as bright as possible. In couple of years, they yearn for more brightness in their home. Then arrived first wax candle which excited them being simple, giving more brightness to their monotonous life.


Life was pleasant for young earthen lamps with a single candle. On shifting to bigger home, it was felt by them “a candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle”. Under this obsession, the two lamps continue to glow with proud possession of ten candles by the year 1953. In spite of many hardship in the form of strong wind, thunders, and rains, they ensured protection to candles in adverse environment with their all might and capacity.

Out of ten candles, some were weak in glow, some were flickered often, some were brighter and brightest. As the years passed, wax was melting and flowing down below making each one into their own shape and character, depending upon personal strength of the wick and color of wax and surrounding influence. After fully shielding ten candles from all odds of life, one lamp went off in 1986 followed by another one in 1992. But ten candles continue to glow - each one lighting their own homes, melting wax making their base stronger and stronger. In the process, shortening the wick and lengthening the shadow of individuality.

With the advent of electrical bulbs, a strong sense of sharing the light of candle, oneness was lost, though more brighter and instantaneous. None felt the need for protection from another. Each one felt that melting mould of wax at bottom, is making them strong and stronger. Very truly, the mould at the base became beautiful in different shapes and strength. Each one lighting their homes with more modern decorative colorful series lamps added with highly sophisticated LCD lamps. Unfortunately, three candles flicked out before reaching the premium point. Nevertheless , all are enjoying the glow of series and LCD lamps. Sooner or later the molten wax would become flat, one by one and that will not be end of the story but brightness of home shall surely be more glowing to be replaced with solar lamps (GenNext) for betterment of humanity.

This is a mini story of my simple, humble, down to earth, loving parents who gave full opportunity in life to glow in our own candles (ten siblings), always caring without interfering, without any expectations and appreciating our good acts appropriately with due respect to womenfolk and love to children. I am sure they must be watching somewhere from the top, the spectacular view of 19 series (gc) and 20 LCD (ggc) lamps’ bright and colorful glow. Must be smiling and happy of their obsession “A CANDLE IS NOT DIMMED BY LIGHTING ANOTHER CANDLE”.

A Very Happy & Prosperous Diwali to all IWW Readers and the Management.

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Dec 15, 2014
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Thanks
by: Manohar Naidu

Thanks Mamtha for your comments. Kindly share my stories DREAMZ, The Mystery Girl and also Revelation of Truth(2013) with stroke of suspense in this I W W list & grace with your comments

Dec 10, 2014
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brilliant
by: mamtha

beautiful comparison

excellent sir

Nov 08, 2014
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Thanks
by: Manohar Naidu

Thanks Madam Pankaja for your graceful comments

Oct 29, 2014
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Good
by: nuggehalli Pankaja

What a moving way of paying homage to the departed souls!

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