Let’s go a
fasting together: A rhyme for our time
Wakey, wakey, rise and whine, it’s three am and first meal
time. Breaking fast will come tonight, so eat up now and do what’s right, my
family dear, Bon Appetit.
For those who follow different views, we have some good - and
not-good news.
The eateries you like to go, for noodles, rice, tempe, bakso, are likely
shut and tables emptied, to stop your palate being tempted.
There are some folks not firm and strong, they need tough
laws to show what’s wrong. Not you; this column’s readers realize, self
discipline will help decide.
Do not despair, not all’s unfair, some restaurant doors will
be ajar, though finding them may take you far.
The hints are subtle, no signs to hustle, just full car
parks and blinds closed tight, to stop the sight, of followers of minor doctrines,
gorging burgers laced with onions.
The hungry do not want to know, the goodies that the menus
show, like soups and toasts, brown chips and roasts, powders from the coffee
bean, topped off by lashings of ice cream.
Temptations frighten, don’t enlighten.
Carbohydrates here and there, so when you order, do beware.
These foods come fast with sodas sweet, yet water’s
delicious, and also nutritious. They fear
poor health has many links, to icky, sticky, fizzy drinks. The sugar fix that some do crave, could send
them to an early grave.
Tummy pangs may bruise your will, and make you feel a little
ill, so pause for one or two pulse rates, and watch the pressure de-escalate.
The question here is simple, straight, it could determine
future fate:
Do you really need a meal? Or is it something you just feel you
want through conditioning? Not cooling air, but social manipulating. A ritual
to supply you victuals.
The devil urges ‘order soon’, life’s ticking clock strikes stroke
of noon, time flies – no lies. The
moment comes but once, so choose; on now are specials – who’d refuse?
Before you open up your purse, consider reading all this
verse, suppress your pangs and sighs - recall the words from doctors wise:
‘We see your waist is getting bigger, that doesn’t suit your
face or figure. Statistics prove that guys your age, will never get to pension
stage, unless they count the calories, and push aside the greasy fries.’
But how can this be done, you cry. Well, this month gives us
time to try.
Consider who is now involved, neighbors, good friends, and rellies
too, we’re told. No need to change your
faith positions, restraint is practised by all religions.
Don’t stand aloof, receive this truth. Resisting foods but for a while, endeavor to rejig
your style, t’will benefit your health - and certainly preserve your wealth.
Contemplation and restraints, helped some ancients turn to
saints. What worked for seers in earlier
years, proves comforts lasting - just through fasting.
When at first you do abstain, prepare yourself for little pains,
though overall come many gains.
Your spirit will be richer,
and you’ll look a better picture, on the selfies in Facebook, that your jealous
friends will envy, when they’re on a feeding frenzy.
Abstaining from the food and drink, can stimulate our minds to
think, about the things that matter more, than banquets, booze and cakes galore.
In any case four weeks will fly, so why not give it one
quick try? A month’s short term, so just
stay firm. And here’s a reminder - some
faiths are kinder.
Romans are told they should repent, for forty days to follow
Lent. That’s twelve days extra, than for
those who look to Mecca.
So don’t complain about your Lot, that
fellow’s wife was turned saline, because she never ceased to whine.
This witty ditty’s coming to an end, so here’s the message
that it sends: Whatever holy book you read, why not peruse our common needs? For some it’s health and being slim, for
others sacred pietism.
First timers may not last, but do not fret, next time they’ll
go the distance, no regret.
Forget them and us, so no more fuss, erase hate and
celebrate, let’s do this thing together.
(First published by The Jakarta Post 18 May 2019)
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