My Faith in Fabric

Niqabi

Into words I put my faith –

You’ll know everything about me.

Underneath this veil I hide my face –

Display my belief for you to see.

With this cloth, I cover all,

Head to toe underneath this shroud.

I wear my heart upon my…face,

Walk with my head held proud.

I don’t want to judge you now –

I’m still just me, only with extra cover.

I’m actually pretty open-minded.

Just ask me and you’ll discover.

Now I understand this dress

Is much more than you’re used to.

That’s fine; it’s not really about you

It’s simply an extra act I do.

Although I am in constant black,

There is nothing here I mourn,

This is my choice, one I chose,

And of intelligence it was born.

Now, if you think that one like me

Is meek, mild and most certainly oppressed,

Then you are wrong – with most of us –

It takes a strong one to be like this dressed.

I am constantly bombarded

With evil comment, contemptuous glare;

Spewed upon horrible words, the likes of which

If asked to repeat, I would not dare.

I understand stereotypes abound,

Believe me I face the lot.

I’m just reminding you I am under here,

Just in case you have forgot.

I am treated by this ‘enlightened’ mass

As an ignorant, slow child.

And with a tone, they try to help;

Really most women would go wild.

But one with this “affliction”, dear,

Takes all of this in stride.

It takes an inner strength to follow

Your decisions through with pride.

I am an educated woman,

Who stands beside her husband, tall.

He knows it and supports me,

I know my value and it’s anything but small.

He supports the choice I make,

Helps me deal day to day.

He forces me into nothing,

For he knows with what he’ll pay!

My conviction hangs upon me:

This is my life, my body, and my choice,

 And though you may not see my face,

Here you’ve heard my voice.