1. Is she a deer imagined
Or a crescent moon resembling the sun?

2. She glanced with languid eyes
Captivating reason itself.

3. A sun descends to join a gathering
Improvising song to the drummer’s delight.

4. Though she knows no mode or melody
When the light rhymed verse follows the heavy.

5. She strung pearls in praising the minister
Leaving us drunk and rambling.

6. Can any gainsayer now deny
Her rest on cushions of silk brocade?

7. Happy New Year with blessings ever renewed
As you begin a spiritual retreat.

8. May your feast last as dawn greets the crescent
For you are destined always to prosper.

9. To the Feast you are a feast
Even more beautiful to behold.

10. The crescent hailing you as you hailed it
A crescent moon glowing like your radiant face.

11. The Lord of Heaven sponsors you
With sublime power and bounty everlasting.

12. May good fortune greet you at the New Year
And clarity when seasons turn.

13. Though Ramadan overturned the wine cups
Shawwal sanctions: “Let them be filled!”

14. So continue toasting with your right hand’s favor
Whether giving or receiving the cup.

15. High office still cannot tumble
One so lofty as a mountain.