I am that Hijab
That cloth, that fabric
That symbol, that fear
In people’s eyes

Why does she wear it?

I am that cloth
Bound
Grippingly around her head
Secure but comfortable
Strong but delicate
Covering her hair, her ears, her neck

I am that fabric
Pinned
Gracefully around her head
Protective but alleviating
Simple but beautiful
Displaying the beauty within, the pride within, the soul within

I am that concept
Placed
Gloriously around her head
Fierce but merciful
Unyielding but blessed
Compelling the wearer to go on, the onlooker to pause, the bystander to ponder

I am that liberation
Wrapped
Graciously around her head
Desired but attained
Unseen but felt
Refusing the persecution, the unwanted glares, the harsh words

I am that freedom
That concept, that liberation
That symbol, that serenity
In her eyes

That is why she wears it.