Veil of Black

How covering myself in black, affected my self-confidence.

Veil of black

I embrace your strangeness

A comforting experience

Of something new and adventurous

 

You shimmer and move like an exotic dancer

You caress my face

And ignite my travelling curiosities

I feel courageous

 

Oh veil of black

Keep me clean and pure

Protect me from dirty eyes

And let me be obscure

 

But the days grow long

And the months move on

Yet you continue to follow me

My shadow in black

 

Where once was a face

Now remains but a trace

Of someone I used to know

Veil of black you’ve swallowed me whole

 

And spat out an ugly reflection -

Surely that’s not me!

Oh veil of black you’re laughing at me

Do you enjoy playing with my insecurity?

 

I feel so ugly,

No one can love me

A reverse metamorphosis

Of a beauty once pure

 

Oh veil of black can’t you see -

That you’re suffocating me!

Author's Note

This poem is purely based on my own personal experience of having to cover myself in abaya and hijab for several months. It is not meant to criticize or offend anyone. I don’t invite any comments or discussion about religion or Islamic culture…it is just my honest experience of the effects and changes the veil of black had on me personally.

Reviews

[SuspectGray]

I see the journey this veil took you on from the initial excitement to the suffocation. This was an experience I am sure will stay with you for some time. I applaud your brave journey.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

they say wearing black makes us feel more sexy...but really when it is a metaphorical black...it takes away from the beauty...and that blackness of heart can be so suffocating.

such depth to your words...

jacob

[Caroline Hart]

Thanks Jacob....yes indeed...it's really nice that even though you're a man and will never be required to cover your head/face you seem to understand perfectly the art of losing your identity. :)