Eid in a Thousand Shades of Meaning

yusuf achmad

For Children
Eid arrives like a fairy tale feast,
Their dreams fulfilled, though meanings are least.
A burst of joy, laughter soars high,
New clothes shine bright like stars in the sky.
A pocket of coins, a gift to treasure,
From parents, relatives, and neighbors—a kind gesture.

For Teens
This moment glows like twilight’s allure,
New clothes still hold their charm for sure.
Yet friendships and bonds take the prime space,
Chatting away, family sometimes replaced.
The village kin may still get a call,
But their hearts often yearn for a romantic enthrall.

For Adults
The essence creeps in, soft and discreet,
Like morning dew kissing the earth’s heartbeat.
Greetings scatter through texts online,
On WhatsApp or feeds where strangers align.
But behind smiles lies a burden untold,
Groceries vanish, fashion unfolds,
As the feast begins and worries grow bold.

For the Elderly
Eid turns quiet, a symphony of thought,
Not as joyful as the innocence life once brought.
The festivity fades to silence profound,
Only prayers echo with meanings unbound.
Questions linger like a shadow’s call:
When will the final Eid come for all?

Surabaya, 1-4-2025