To the heights

The lamp lies unlit and dismal dark —
Bring to it the spark of your morning love and life,
The lamp is lit and burns.

The lamp burns low and dim —
Bring to it your earnest loyalty and clear adhesion,
The lamp burns high and bright.

The flame mounts slow uncertain —
Bring to it your ardent yearning and unshakeable faith,
The flame mounts swift and firm.

The flame sweeps tireless ever upward —
Call unto it the bending Grace from beyond,
The lamp has become the Sun!

— Nolini Kanta Gupta

13 October 1936