Billions of lights are the several billion people

That live on the five continents of this earth

They are from a multiplicity of cultures

That speak several languages

They are Chinese, European, African

Hispanic, Arab, and Indigenous Indians

Among other ethnic groups

They live in different towns, cities and villages

In a vast array of regions

Under different climatic conditions 

Eating a wide variety of foods

Their staples being rice, corn, flour, and potatoes

With meats and vegetables

Many in warmer climate raise

Their cattle on sorghum

People drink universal drinks like

Tea, coffee, milk, and colas 

Their lights serve different interests

That cause them to shine on others

Some more brightly than others

As they give their support to many in need

Their lights could be found

On the plains, hills, and in valleys

They brighten the darkess places of the world

Giving guidance to many that are lost

Or, are about to be extinguished

Some lights are only flickering

For lack of electricity, oil, or gas

They nevertheless refuse to go out

Like a candle light that I once saw

There are others that are always willing

To re-ignite failing lamps

That used for therapeutic purposes

Or, begin afresh by lighting a lantern

Like during a Lantern Festival

That’s my story of billions of lights