Why a poem for Ramadhan...

Unseen Sweetness

There is an unseen sweetness in the stomach's emptiness

We are lutes. When the soundbox is filled, no music can come forth.

When the brain and the belly burn from fasting, every moment a new song rises out of the fire.

The mists clear, and a new vitality makes you spring up the steps before you.

Be empty and cry as a reed instrument.

Be empty and write secrets with a reed pen.

When satiated by food and drink, an unsightly metal statue is seated where you spirit should be.

When fasting, good habits gather like helpful friends. Fasting is Solomon's ring.

Don't give in to illusion and lose your power.

But even when will and control have been lost, they will return when you fast, like soldiers appearing our the ground, or pennants flying in the breeze.

Poem by Rumi. Taken from Al-Qalam, MUIS Publications.