At lunch
she studies on the stairs
the ones hidden away
behind some double doors
in the back of the cafeteria

I got in there
to buy my soda
(the only machine that
sells cans is in there)
and I see her

she’s not pretty,
pudgy face,
hood on her head,
eyes wild
as I put my dollar in
and hit the button for
a diet coke

I see her there
everyday

my back is turned
but I feel her stare,
I feel the apprehension at me
entering her sanctum in the air

I contemplate a greeting,
but realize that’s too much.

so I whistle

whistle plain and clear

most would think it normal,
a small task to do while I wait for my drink,
but if one listened closely
and just happened to know the tune
they’d know what I whistled
to that friendless,
Muslim girl
was that
one day
she too
would be
loved

They said he was a stranger.
They said he was danger.
This is his story
read and you'll know there's nothing to worry.

He is a boy, a Muslim
He wakes up early and prays like a soldier
He put his books under his arm
and away he goes to school reciting his favorite verses from the Holy Quran
How can you call such a person danger??
He isn't in the top class
but everyone is proud for what he is today.
he doesn't care what others think about him for it is Allah alone he obey.
He helps people when in need
His own food to the hungry he willing feed
Everyone knows him for his humble good deeds.
How can you call such a person a stranger??

Bang.

let them do the job
as they do we need to simply look the other way

The Islamophobia is suffocating
the saturation is enough.

There are children there
but we don't see that.

Children without fathers.
Children without mothers.

The Christian fanatics
are not so different.

You have your flag,
You have your gun.
So do they,
but they're the evil one?

Take a mirror and as you do,
you will see, they look like you.

Your religion is no better,
no holier or worthy,
we are all human
all equal.

But some are more equal than others.
Aren't they?

N. Hedges