Deciding on silence

RAGE

FRUSTERATION

SILENCE

???????????????

??????????????? They are my elders

??????????????? They are my relatives

Everyday a personal struggle for the sake of Allah

The struggles in America easier than expected

But here

??????????????? So much harder

An Islamic country

My family pokes fun

Inquisitive remarks

??????????????? I can respond to

But making fun of me. . .

To my face. . .

In a different language. . .

Where do they have that right?

They don't realize how it hurts me

How it shreds my hope

I love these people

I see them rarely

They see a scarf

GET OVER IT

Don't make me leave with bitter feelings

All but one aunt, a grandma, and a cousin-

??????????????? Have criticized

??????????????? Or asked me to remove it

Apparently it's not the latest fashion.

Why don't they understand

Me wearing a scarf

Tells more about me

Than they would ever think to ask

Besides it makes more sense then-

??????????????? A chiffon dupputta

??????????????? Or half on chader

??????????????? Or even only covering during the azan. . .

Doesn't it?

But they are my elders

So I allow them to talk

I say nothing

They see no impact

I remain an outward pillar

This is more important than appearance

I pray I have the strength to continue

I know I do

I won't yield

My heart won't allow it

My mind is simply disappointed.