A Long Way From Home

2043. New Kajang Colony, Mars.

Eid is coming. Eid is coming.
That time of year. That celebration of tears.
Shed on commlinks with people on Earth,
Husbands, wives, family and lovers.
Long distance hugs, electronic kisses.

Microwaved lemang replicated approximations
That lack the charm and aroma of wood fire,
Chemically simulated bamboo essence.
Served with meatfree rendang imitations,
Tastes that fail to hide its falsification.

The only thing real is the argument,
Whose moon do we follow?
Whose Azan do we listen for?
Mekah, Kuala Lumpur, Johor
At least something real remains.