On the occasion of the commencement of the holy month of fasting in Ramadhan.

The Ramadhan Moon
By John Herlihy

The crescent moon waxes
As the first hint of light.
The crescent moon wanes
As the first hint of night.
The first crescent comes
But only once a month.
The last crescent returns,
It has only to die once.

The Ramadhan moon comes
But only once a year.
Lilting and magical,
As soothing as a madrigal.
To announce the holy month,
It comes to life only once,
As the light of day dies,
In its dying crimson blush.

Nighttime shadows creep on,
Moving in measured sips.
The arc hangs precariously,
Imitating the Arabic script.
The empty cup of noon, ba, ta,
To disappear beyond earth’s lip.
The faithful see it but do not hear,
Haunting night sounds echo near.

The gates of Heaven thrown open,
The gates of Hell slammed shut.
The fasting soul its faith betokens
The denial of pleasures it needs not.
The fasting soul says no and no
In denying the delights of the world.
In this supreme act of human will,
The soul affirms Love of God eternal.