For a sister made small

For International Scarves in Solidarity Day, 11 April 2012.

Four corners of fabric and two little pins went over my head today
Much as they do for millions of women around the world,
And as I pinned and tucked, I looked in the mirror
And recognized one simple little truth:
That though my hair was covered, my curves obscured
My heart was open.

So to the sisters in scarves who were ever made to feel small,
To every daughter who was ever made to feel unwelcome,
I know it doesn't count for much, but
Today I will share this symbol and blessing.
Today I wear it with the pride and the respect it deserves.
Today, like you, dear sister,
I will brave the stares and sneers, and gladly accept the occasional smiles,
Because I understand that when you are made to feel "other" than you are,
I am a stranger too.

And to those who ever called my sister a name,
"Towelhead," "sand nigger," "you terrorist," "a threat,"
You need to understand
That in a country based on freedom, diversity and mutual respect,
The real threat is you.
For anyone who ever told her, "Go home, 'we' don't want you here,"
You need to understand
That she is home,
And she is wanted.

So you see, she may be the one who's covered with a scarf,
But from where I'm standing, it seems
It's you who's got a veil over your heart.

You need to understand.

Because in this big crazy world that we call home,
Tolerance is not just a luxury,
And mutual respect is not a privilege that we can take or leave,
It's not just a blanket that makes us feel better about the world.
It's a necessity
It's a fresh water
That we desperately need to survive.

So for a sister that's ever been made small,
My words can only go so far.
But I know that a new world is on its way
Where you will no longer be made small
Over something as small as a scarf and a few pins.
I pray that this world comes soon,
Inshallah.
إن شاء الله