A Muslim Lady Poem by Najma Mohamed

What do you see when you look at me?

Do you see someone limited or someone free?

All some people can do is just stare,

Simply because they can't see my hair.


Others think I'm controlled and uneducated,

They think am limited and un-liberated,

They are so thankful they are not me.

Because they would like to remain ‘free'!


Well free isn't exactly the word I would've used,

Describing women who are cheated and abused,

They think that I do not have opinions or voice,

They think that being hooded isn't my choice.


Maybe the guys wouldn't think am a cuttie,

But at least am filled with more inner beauty,

See I have declined being a guy's toy.

Because I wouldn't let myself be controlled by a boy.


Real men are able to appreciate my mind,

And ain't busy looking at my behind,

The smart ones are attracted by my tranquility,

In the back of their mind they wish they were me.


We have the strength to do what we think is right,

Even if it means putting on a life long fight,

So when people ask how I feel about the hood,

I sum it up by saying baby its all good!