She covers her hair
not her brain
heart
soul
humility
or her
humanity
(or even her vanity
We all want to look good in our own way – and some take it more seriously
than others –
which is
mostly
perfectly
okay)
She covers her body
in
loose
comfortable
clothing
when she’s out and about
in the name of her own chosen
path of modesty
She does not cover
her intelligence
wit
rage
sense of humour
or
her honesty
Your notions of her oppression and subservience
nothing but a rumour
You don’t even know her
How dare you
label her
It wouldn’t hurt a bit to ask her
She will more than likely willingly accept the task
of filling your knowledge gaps
Just imagine if someone asked you
or anyone else why you or they
paint
and plaster
yourselves with make-up
dye your hair until it has the texture
of straw
or wear a skirt that barely covers your buttocks
and pump your faces full of Botox
or why the heck
you wear a chain with a naked
bloodied
man
tortured to death
and nailed to a cross
with his father’s approval
around your neck
Or on the flipside
imagine if someone asked you why
you rarely
if ever
wear make-up
heels
or jewellery
keep your hair and nails short
and wear comfortable
practical
clothes
and shoes
that allow you to move
easily
and freely
indoors
or
outdoors
as if you’re always ready for a hike in the mountains or moors
We all have our preferences
styles and influences
likes and dislikes
Just because she or I or anyone does not publicly
display
much of their
skin
hair or sexuality
for others’ consumption
gives no one else the right or permission
to question
her, my or their choices
without going to the source
She’s the one to ask first
She covers her hair
not her brain
Go pick her brain
with humanity and healthy curiosity
She’ll educate you
and
as her ally
so will I
AN FRAOCH 