Poem

Get Your Lips off My Dress!
© 2006 Umasiyah Hodan Abdullah Hussein

I feel good of myself and worship my Lord
And really of your ignorant words I am bored
I know a jewel like me is rare
But don't stare as though I am unaware
I ask of you to be sincere and fair
Judge me not by the cover on my face or hair
There is a person under the clothes I wear
With feelings, intellect and esteem
With goals, ambitions and dreams
It is not at all what it seems

So please, get your lips off my dress
Tell me why does it cause you stress
What I wear is my business
So get your lips off my dress
Yes… Get your lips off my dress

Don't tell me I am oppressed when I know I am not
A silly argument you've got!
Let me educate you in case you are for real
That my clothes are not out for your steal
Your fashion is not my desire
You don't dictate to me my attire
Oah… so you want to free me
Forcing me to free me is an irony
For your eyes simply refuse to see
That I am walking the earth freely
Content with my faith and modesty

Come on now, get your lips off my dress
Tell me why does it cause you stress
What I wear is my business
So get your lips off my dress
Yes… Get your lips off my dress

I am hiding my femininity you say
Rather, I am aware of it night and day
My body is like my home, while I have nothing to hide
I have the right to privacy and who sees what's inside
Not everyone who knocks the door enters therein
For my faith has guided me from sin
I respect my body and refuse to be used
To advertise commodity or other men amuse
Only those who I am safe with can see
This beauty that I hide within me
Natural and feminine with dignity

That's right, get your lips off my dress
Tell me why does it cause you stress
What I wear is my business
So get your lips off my dress
Yes… Get your lips off my dress

My hijab is a barrier, next you debate
The only barrier is the one YOU create
If I was to call you on a phone
Send you a fax, email you unknown
You'd never think it creates separation
Or that it hinders our communication
So why this double standard with my veil?
I just don't wish to be exposed to a strange male
Simple as that!... so listen up Jack
If I knock on your door, don't have a heart attack
Muslim women observe veils… respect that fact

Seriously, get your lips off my dress
Tell me why does it cause you stress
What I wear is my business
So get your lips off my dress
Yes… Get your lips off my dress

The veil hinders our integration into 'society'
How so? You see us walking and driving in the city
Going to the bank, shopping at the mall
We're nursing at the hospitals, Doctors on call
Business women, teachers, Mothers and all
Some of us are still studying at university
The wealthy help the needy and pay charity
Muslim women in harmony with community
It is just time you accept the world of diversity
Ethnocentrism robs you of so much wonder
Open your mind and allow it to ponder
Meanwhile, Get your lips off my dress
Tell me why does it cause you stress
What I wear is my business
So get your lips off my dress
Yes… Get your lips off my dress