Ramzaan

Mats in the mosque of the mohalla 

mats in its lanes

mats in my neighbor’s prayer room  

mats in her courtyard.

Dates on wheeled stalls 

dates on white china plates

dates on flights from Riyadh

dates on lips at dusk and dawn.

Words from speakers

words from classrooms

words from program halls

words from the Almighty.

Minds under caps

minds under piety

minds under arrest

minds under surrender.

God above oneself

God above others

God above in the heavens

God above mats, dates, sounds and minds.