And if you think I'm oppressed,
covering my hair with a silken headdress-

And if you think I'm forced,
beaten, to lengthen my sleeves and elongate my shorts-

And if you think I'm afraid,
cowering under the protection of black linen shade-

You 'most certainly take note of the society's improprieties,
that the abaya I wear is thrusted upon me,
that the niqab my sisters practice is only for he;

No. My hijab is my personality, my promise to honour my femininity,
to never allow anyone, any man, to use me;
I am a woman, a human, a feminist:
no man will control me.

The noose is brittle but strong, warmed by the heat of the day,
ready to be hoisted upon your neck, and hail all those troubles away.
Yet speak a few words and that won't be done, but be careful as you talk,
for the hangman arrives to take your words the
moment you utter the one that’s wrong.

As I made my way to school,
I saw two sparrows,
Dancing through hedges,
Wheeling round gardens.

They chased each other,
Taking turns to flee,
And their calls frantic,
But to human ears soothing.

And when one grew tired,
Both would rest,
Still eyes on each other,
Still calling.

And when one gained courage,
A little closer they'd get,
Still thoughts on: What next?
Still hopeful.

For fleeting moments,
That lasted for the longest times,
They stopped and stood in silence,
Content with just the company,
Of one another.