Agreement

The Chiites and the Sunnis have agreed on the start time for Ramadan. Is this merely a coincident sighting of the full moon? Or are bigger political forces at work trying subtly to bring rivals together?

I am setting out on my own Ramadan quest. No alcohol, no starch in the evening, lots of time on the bicycle. Not a fast exactly - and certainly not designed to compromise my ability during the day. But a new and challenging regime nonetheless.

And a fresh perspective on loss. And lack.

I have little of the latter.