All rise to the hijab, the armour's here.
The sound of the air designed by the cheer.
Smiling as if she is unstoppable,
look at her move, she is unbreakable.
The clouds are so low, the sky seems alone.
There seems to be too much testosterone.
Not happy to share their blending colours,
grinding together our stubborn molars.
Flying high above, through the hazy air,
wow, this is definitely something rare.
No fear. The voice of unsilenced prayers,
remain the strength of our current affairs.
We know, not all superheroes wear capes…
… some wear hijabs, the power of the drapes!
The sonnet, a poetic form that has become synonymous with the illustrious works of William Shakespeare, actually traces its roots back to Italy in the 13th century, where it was masterfully shaped by the pioneering poet Petrarch. Traditionally, a sonnet is a tightly structured piece, consisting of 14 lines that dance to the rhythm of specific rhyme schemes. The Petrarchan sonnet, steeped in romantic elegance, follows an ABBA ABBA CDE CDE pattern, creating a melodic cadence that evokes deep emotion. In contrast, the Shakespearean sonnet, with its vibrant ABAB CDCD EFEF GG format, offers a dynamic interplay of thoughts culminating in a poignant couplet.
As a passionate creative writer, I have ventured to craft my own distinct rhyme scheme: AABB CCDD EEFF GG. This artistic exploration has been profoundly shaped by personal experiences during significant celebrations such as World Hijab Day, the empowering spirit of International Women's Day, and a transformative Ramadan Retreat at Lambourne End in Essex, an event beautifully orchestrated by Deen for Sisters. Each of these moments has inspired me to weave my reflections into the fabric of my poetry, capturing the essence of culture, strength, and community.
© Nasima Rahman. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence (CC BY).