Whispers

Whispers

That’s all I hear
When you’re a Muslim female, that’s all you hear
Whispers
I feel myself being engulfed by the burning hot air
Sending yet another trickle of sweat down my covered neck

I ignore the hateful glares and keep my head held high
I know what they’re thinking
That I’m probably very religious
That I’m very strict
That I have a seed of evil growing in my heart
Whispers

What does she have under there?
Does she have hair?

A new day a new glare
Whispers
But I keep walking
I keep walking until the disgusted glares turn into meaningful stares
I keep walking until the whispers of repulsion turn into whispers of amazement
I keep walking until the whispers of disdain turn into whispers of encouragement
I keep walking