Eid

 
 
 

Early dawn flush with excitement

Rushed showers

Children’s eyes now lit with wonder

Voices hushed in awe at splendor

To the background of takbeer

 

The eager struggle with new clothes,

Brand new shoes,

Buttons, buckles and berets

Snapping price tags, peeling stickers

To the background of takbeer

 
 
 

Children’s glee at crisp new bank notes

Gift wrap rustle

Parents’ pleasure in tea or coffee

Filling bags with toys and candy

To the background of takbeer

 

Ride or walk to masjid quickly

Beat sun’s rays

Children drinking in the reverence

Join the joyous words of praise

Now part of the melodic takbeer

 

Grownups feel a twinge of sorrow

Missing fasting

Nerves are taut with expectation

Whirling thoughts and strong emotions

Against a background of takbeer

 

“Was our fasting month accepted?”

“Prize today?”

“Are tears caused by angels’ greetings,

Or fear of some discarded deeds?”

Now the ending of takbeer

 

In silent lines all rise to pray

Feel our strength!

Taste the flavor of the Ummah!

Sense your chest with pride, expand!

Echo the Imam’s takbeer

 

Now the greeting and the kissing

Smiles and hugs

The satisfaction of completion

Visit cousins, aunts and elders

The mind continuing takbeer

 

Children giggling at fun rides

Celebrate

Gatherings with food and laughter

Feeling cared for and connected

The heart is filled with takbeer

 

Even those missing loved ones

‘Altered Eid’

Even those away from home

Even if this Eid is different

Bequeathed to each Ramadan partaker

A crisp, surprising, slice of joy!