The Hijab And The Freedom Flag [#Poem]

In the light of the recent focus on ‘others’ and ‘outsiders’ in the US, this poem explores the feelings of a woman who chooses to wear the hijab (headscarf).

modesty ripped

through a nation’s glare

a hijab unknots in fickle air

running behind cascading pride

outstretched hands fall inches short

as she takes a dive for the silken cloth

Never miss real stories from India's women.

Register Now

paisleys bunch up in graceful folds

gliding fluidly to meet the dust

trembling fingers reach out again to briskly cover the exposed bust

veil of deceit, that filthy rag

a nettlesome itch, a bramble in the eye

the fashion is un-american, they hotly chastise

take it off, let loose that hair

put your patriotism out on garish display

cause this ain’t land for traitors who kneel five times a day

they ask her to dismember a limb

to discard an identity she’s held since nine

her armour, her honour – politically embroiled; she’s shown dresses with rising hemlines

the country is theirs; her days are numbered

dreaded diktat arrives to prove the point

how do you separate body and soul when the two breathe conjoint?

she picks up knickknacks of her life

bottles up feelings, memories in a bag

watching agog the parade of eviction grand marshal flies the freedom flag

wet shame rolls down her cheeks

the dam of restraint finds an unbridled release

spare me, my sisters, she meekly pleads; i shall do as you say… as you please

Liked this post?

Become a premium user on Women’s Web and get access to exclusive content for women, plus useful Women’s Web events and resources in your city.

Top image via Pixabay

Comments