Ramadan

O moon-faced Beloved,
the month of Ramadan has arrived
Cover the table
and open the path of praise

O fickle busybody,
it’s time to change your ways.
Can you see the one who’s selling the halvah?
how long will it be the halvah you desire?

Just a glimpse of the halvah maker
has made you so sweet even the honey says,
“I’ll put myself beneath your feet, like soil;
I’ll worship at your shrine.”

Your chick frets within the egg
with all your eating and choking.
Break out of your shell that your wings may grow.
Let yourself fly.

The lips of the master are parched
from calling the beloved.
The sound of your call resounds
through the horn of your empty belly.

Let nothing be inside of you.
Be empty: give your lips to the lips of the reed.
When like a reed you fill with His breath,
then you’ll taste sweetness.

Sweetness is hidden in the Breath
that fills the reed.
Be like Mary
by that sweet breath a child grew within her.

ArtWork by Sermed Berktav