RAMADAN RAPTURE

"They've taken our food away to the desert
they're feeding our food to the birds and fishes
They've swiped all the food from our tables and kitchens
all the most scrumptious and delectable dishes

The fatted calves pigeon pies mincemeat in sauces
compotes and appetizers crudités and jams
things done in nut butters things in puff pastry
aspics and tarjeens and sacrificed lambs

Oh what shall we do we'll go hungry we'll starve
without all those mainstays to our health and wellbeing!
The candies and bonbons quince pies and peach melbas
each scrap and morsel now hurriedly fleeing

We'll be left sucking bones or our infantile thumbs
we'll sit on the floor and stare into space
we'll cry for our mummies and like mummies we'll grimace
all the color and glow will go out of our face"

So sings Desire in chorus with Appetite
thinking the world has gone lifeless and gray
for once in their lives they have to go hungry
from dawn to sunset for one month every day

Leaving our bodies at rest from their torments
our stomachs in shackles while the bright sun shines
to remember Who gave us each morsel and delicacy
set free for one month from our bodily confines

To die before death where the menu is meager
though in Paradise each goodie's multiplied in quantum
This world a pale shadow in comparison
O let's urge ourselves there with greater momentum!

DANIEL ABDAL-HAYY MOORE