Doga Erdemisik “Good Days of Ramadan”

GOOD DAYS OF RAMADAN ____________________________________________________________ by Doga Erdemisik, Grade 12

Under the grey, humid sky, The city screamed through the hallow streets of my hometown. Although the first day of Ramadan, Not a soul was out until dawn. This exact pavement That children once played soccer on— Now in isolation.

Hasty eyes searched To catch a glimpse of the gypsy Who dances around bears And pulls kids from their neighbourhoods. Though the street hadn’t heard laughter for a while, Street lamps shone stubbornly In the afternoon light.

This year came With a bag of candy in my hand, But absolutely no one to give. People did, indeed, fast, Yet on the streets The long iftar tables had disappeared.

The hungry Stayed hungry. The practice became the privilege. Only the rich had a full meal On their table After a long day of hunger.

Let us celebrate The holy month of all. The days in which we once came together As a community Has met its downfall.