Born an hour ago, or

Day before.

You’re One month, or

A Hundred years old.

Come out and Play.

On March 18^th, my friends in neighborhoods around the globe will celebrate Holi.

Trays of bright-colored dry powder,

Buckets of water,

Water-filled balloons, and

Golgappas, samosas, gulab jamuns will adorn the tables.

Rules will have a time out that day.

So, brilliant smiles and shiny spirits can have their way.

Grab fists full of color, and smear onto your neighbor’s face, hands, arms, and legs.

Share color from one person to next until you go around the circle.

Pour a bucket of colored water on him, her, them, just about anyone.

Burst a water balloon on someone.

Using the water gun, spray, stream, and splash somewhere, everywhere.

Get soaked, as your neighbor empties a pale of water on your head,

Give color and receive the same or more.

Break all shackles, no matter the gender, status, or age.

Become One.

In the evening, dance together, to the beat of the Dhol.

The rhythm pierces through layers of skin and sways bodies.

Extremities flow to touch another hand.

At which point, include yourself in the circle dance or crisscross and do a kikli.

Sing along the song Rang de mohe Gerua, which means color me Red.

Circumventing the fire, gaze into each other’s eyes.

Sense another breath, feel another life.

Feed your body, mind, and soul.

Open your mouth wide to ensure chickpeas and tamarind stay inside the Golgappa.

Dip and drag samosa on mint chutney before you crunch it in.

Sweeten your buds with warm, brown cheese balls called Gulab Jamuns.

At day’s end, wash off old colors, and spring into the new.

Welcome a fresh start, new beginning, and your lovely life.

Every hour, day, month, and year think of uniting with brothers and sisters.

Live the dream of living in a world where there are no divisions, only unifications.

Let colors bleed, blend and bond.

Play together.