Burqa

Inspired by a program I heard on NPR. Please note - although I endorse a woman's right to wear a burqa, I in no way would ever want for anyone to wear one against their will. The wearing of a burqa is part of a few small sects within the Islamic world. As a Catholic, I support the rights of people everywhere to worship as they choose, and in terms that are right for them.


Burqa

The cloak I wear keeps me from the outside world,
and lets me stay anonymous to the world around me.

I am part of the background, rarely seen, often passed by.
Many do not know that I am here, and others do not care.

I draw comfort from my plight, once a burden, now a refuge.
The more I blend in, the less I desire taking flight.

In the world, yet closed off from it, part and parcel,
foreign and domestic, a bridge ‘tween two conflicting worlds.

Brick wall and open door, the paradox of our choice.
Our freedom comes in solitude, escape from prying eyes.

My silence has a sound, and that sound is freedom.
Like a hermit on a hill, or a monk in his cell, I am apart.

Freedom you ask?

Yes, I say, for I can escape the need to impress.
I have eschewed the trappings of modern day life.

In my burqa, I find refuge from my fears and mistrust.
It is my salvation, my prayer and sacrifice.

As you say your Our Fathers and Hail Mary’s
I live my devotion to our one true God.

I am free to be me, apart from the crush
of a modern world that does not understand.

I am not forced to wear this. There are ways around it,
but for me it is a shield, my protection from the storm.

I do not expect you to understand. I do not expect anyone to.
I only ask for the right to live the solitude of my choosing.