At 8 years old, I practiced my English tirelessly
Perfected my accent,
Afraid my native tongue would slip up
Afraid that I would be labeled ‘immigrant’
At 12 years old, I had grown thicker skin
I began to veil, a proclamation of my faith
Falling victim to discrimination and slander
‘Immigrant’
‘Terrorist’
‘Towel head’
April 3rd, declared as Punish a Muslim Day
Stemming from deep rooted prejudice and bigotry
With the malicious intent of filling our hearts with fear
Assigning point value to acts of cruelty
Defame and slander to earn 10 points
Pull off the hijab of a Muslim woman to earn 25 points
Assault, beat and torture to earn up to 500 points
Burn the house of God to earn 1000 points
Obliterate a holy city to earn 2500 points
Ironically I laugh, what a fascinating paradox
Let’s say I entertain this game,
Are we exempt the other 364 days of the year?
Will you stop trying to tear off my identity?
In an attempt to liberate me
Will you no longer speak on my behalf
And stop labeling me voiceless?
Am I no longer a symbolic target?
Of defamation and slander?
Of battery and assault?
So let’s barter,
In exchange for these points,
Will my civil rights be granted to me?
Can I practice my religion openly?
Can I use my native tongue freely?
When will I be able to express myself without apprehension?