beauty is in the details.

the slipping and falling -

of figures
of fabric
of fictitious flimsy fancies.

furtive glances,
to make sure we look as uncomfortable as we feel.
the hesitation in front of the mirror
flitting of wide eyes,
to stare at the stranger staring back
hushed whispers

"... how do they wear this everyday?"
"... just get so angry..."
"... I mean, I could never..."

truth be told, these thoughts have echoed in my mind too.
in awe, anger, admiration, and anxiety in the unknown

wearing the abaya and shayla...
to school, to the mall, to dinner, to the airport,
and more importantly
what happens when you go to the bathroom?
no, really - I'm curious.

my hands gingerly finger the black material,
alternance entre -
smoothing and grasping.
a stumble and a hop, as we straighten and re-adjust
like newborns.

a dilation of pupils as black figures emerge into white brilliance.
a smile transpires as we laugh, joke, and take pictures
comfortable in our shared discomfort.

truth be told, we envy your grace in the abaya's and shayla's
truth be told, we quickly immerse - awash in a transformation

not disingenuously asking questions
intrigued by this new-found identity
still foreigners in an alien costume,
but content with sharing this bit of your life.
assimilation.

distinguished only by the attention to detail -

delicate lace,
gemstone designs,
trimmed in color,
cuts, angles, and ties
a balance of sheers and shadows

if you look closely,
you'll notice;

coach purses,
louis vuitton handbags
and the occasional fendi wristlet.

a digital SLR camera,
slung carelessly over one shoulder,
an iPhone in the other hand taking an instagram

peep-toe shoes and bright leggings
henna tattooed hands

mischievous intent
hidden behind demure smiles
quick laughter with light sarcasm
biting comments with thinly-veiled skepticism

their vibrant personalities -
arguably their most lethal accessory

carefully manicured hands
balancing elegant sunglasses
that cover smoky eyes

these women are beautiful.
what lies underneath is the same...
their abaya's and shayla's that fail to cover themselves,
in the most important ways.

what's more important - what is within and what is shallow?
what should we value - pride in culture or vanity in fashion?

but let's not jump to conclusions -
it's not necessarily a question of freedom, religion, or culture
nor an emphasis on the individual or self expression

the question

if we were to choose;
whether or not to wear the abaya and shayla...
would we choose the abaya and shayla?

truth be told,

the answer

"maybe"
just not with the Emirati heat.

sorry, Deenah.
but I promise, next time in NYC :)