I am the cold hard truth

 

The innocence that defines my youth

 

The carried weight of the two

 

Their love and care give me value

 

Though I'm not your sister, brother, aunt, niece

 

You make me belong and give me a sense of peace

 

Living in the dangerous land

 

The lies the deceit the pregnancy unplanned

 

The blood that seeps through the cracked walls

 

And tears that drop like rainfalls

 

Through the miracles that make me say "Allahu Akabar"!(God is Great!)

 

The dirty looks from afar

 

The Barakalla at weddings and the asalmaualykum at doors

 

Though I have never felt the pleasure the pain

 

The intense feelings that make me feel chained

 

The insecurities and late night phone calls

 

Makes me drape my virginity around me like a shawl

 

Fragile is my name and trusting is my game

 

Though you may treat me with disdain

 

And mess with my brain

These things make me who I am and I still retain

 

Through my writings I find solace and peace

 

Seeing my purpose increase

 

I am the mirror to my dreams and the door to my fate that opens up my reality

 

The sounds of pencil on paper and  scurrying feet in the hallway

 

The turning of each page and the laughter that comes with each chapter

 

The sweet smells and messy spills all over

 

The turning of the dial the ticking of the timer

 

I am what I am and what I Am is who I Am