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The Veil I Wear

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A fire blazes behind the veil ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This veil I wear is not made of cloth for no fabric could withstand the incendiary passion I command It's self-imposed not forced no man's hand would dare cover me yet here I am swathed in these layers... folds of security you see it's easier much easier just to be like the rest not a subject of discussion or the brunt of derision with meanings misconstrued by the crass and the rude... thus, anonymity allures I finger the veil its threads: religious doctrine its dye: denial its paisley patterns: protocol culturally appropriate I stand: ~chaste~ silence simmering with actions inactive I stand: quiet, demure, serene but my thoughts burning, unseen and behind the veil I smolder passion flares through my eyes the only indication that I'm alive I pass you by another woman unseen unknown unacknowledged I pass you by you...frivolous in your freedom you...unappreciative of accpetance I pass you by and yet, inwardly I smile warmed by inner flames emanating from my core I know…so much more There's potential... potential this woman has in store for this I know when the time has come when I'm ready it will fall away by my own hand unobtrusively grand and you will see the sight the walking, breathing delight of the unveiled woman confident sublime a woman calmly, gracefully, purposefully passing you by.... Eileen Manassian This is not meant to be offense to anyone from the Islamic faith. The veil has symbolic meaning.

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Richard Lamoureux

Date: 4/28/2019 7:27:00 PM

I truly enjoyed reading this one again. I also found S.Zaynab’s comment to be very interesting. I like hearing different perspectives. I do think there is a certain power that comes with the anonymity of the veil. Also I believe personality is revealed despite the wearing of the veil.

S.Zaynab Kamoonpuri

Date: 2/24/2018 11:43:00 PM

I warmly agreed with some parts of the beginning lines about the veil being a decent chaste unforced protective attire such that I just couldn't agree with the unveiling since the veil is what gives us more confident and feel highly sublime , more calm, graceful and purposeful. I mean without my veil I would feel so vulnerable and anxious and as if my looks are the main focus and purpose of life and others judgement, so dear friend u have to be an insider to feel the full merit if the veil that Islamic advice suggests. I don't quite get the fire burning behind the veil I mean what it connotes wasn't grasped by me since I wear the veil and know that passions can flare whether u r veiled or unveiled. Love is universal pal and feelings can be hidden whether u r veiled or unveiled pal. So take care and pleez do try to understand us , its our fervent choice to veil as the rationale behind it convinces us. Warm wishes.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/3/2018 2:34:00 AM

Dear, I completely understand your point of view. I think you missed the part where I wrote that it was symbolic.

Muhammad Imtiaz

Date: 2/24/2018 1:12:00 AM

Hi Eileen i found this poen on the top and it touches me that i should read so when i read it is absolutely worth reading. the veil is really the private right of a woman .....and veil cannot hide passions inside i love it , it has deep meaning in it thanks and have a nice day

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/3/2018 2:35:00 AM

Thank you for understanding, Muhammad. I meant no offense. It is talking about my own experience and the veil is a symbol of all the things that keep me from being true to myself.

Keith O.J. Hunt

Date: 2/20/2018 11:25:00 PM

Quiet beauty.... I think the veil is sometimes so fitting for a woman in certain situations, as in the pic; a wondrous poem Eileen, oozing with confidence and grace, a fave;-)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/3/2018 2:36:00 AM

Thanks, Keith. I really appreciate the visit and the kind words. Blessings.

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 2/19/2018 8:49:00 AM

Welcome back Eileen.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/3/2018 2:36:00 AM

Thanks, Richard. I'm still waiting for inspiration to write. hope it won't be much longer. Hugs

Harry Horsman

Date: 2/6/2018 1:20:00 PM

Eileen, with spending less time here, one of the downsides is to miss so much amazing poetry, most of these are yours, one reads this and can feel the power and the emotion behind the pen, and it's that behind the pen what speaks to the reader. there is no doubting your ability to stir the mind, whether its a point of view shared or not, I even see more when reading this, about your prowess,maybe you should looked to become a politician, someway to make what you believe in right. you are so gifted

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/3/2018 2:41:00 AM

I'm touched by your words, Harry. Thanks ever so much. I know about being busy. I have hardly been on here in the last month. You do what you can. I'll swing by to visit you, in the meantime, thank you for being so gracious in your comment. Hugs

Poet Tacito

Date: 2/6/2018 12:10:00 PM

(Raises my fists high into the air). You. Nailed. It. "You will see the sight, the walking, breathing delight of the unveiled woman"...uplifting as can be, while overcoming all that gets thrown our way. SIDE NOTE: The CAPTCHA Code says "PEN". It's like it KNOWS. ;)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/3/2018 2:41:00 AM

Miss your fire, Drake. How you been doing? Thanks for the lovely post. Hugs, dear.

Barbara Barry-Nishanian

Date: 2/4/2018 8:51:00 PM

Emile Pinet said what I would like to say...she just did it so much better. Plus all the other comments. I'm married to an Armenian, will share this with him tomorrow.bbn

Eileen Manassian
Date: 2/4/2018 11:59:00 PM

Thank you for your visit, Barbara. i appreciate it. My greetings to your husband. I have several poems on the Armenian genocide if he is interested. Blessings.

Kai Michael Neumann

Date: 2/4/2018 3:49:00 AM

Eileen, this poem is absolutely wonderful. I travel a lot in Turkey and your story speaks to me. In honesty, it is the best poem I have read for quite a 'veil' (Freudian slip), for quite a while. Congratulations, Kai

Eileen Manassian
Date: 2/5/2018 12:01:00 AM

Thank you for your kind comment. I'm glad it struck a responsive chord with you. Enjoy your travels. BTW....loved that Freudian..."slip".

Gerald Dillenbeck

Date: 2/2/2018 11:01:00 AM

Gorgeous; and powerful. An unveiling. Gerald Oliver

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/3/2018 2:43:00 AM

Thank you, Gerald. Much appreciated.

Paul Callus

Date: 2/1/2018 1:40:00 PM

Dear Eileen, this metaphorical veil reminds me of what some women have to put up with in life, especially resigning themselves to sacrificing their dreams and hopes. Looking forward to feel the winds of change....Hugs // paul

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/3/2018 2:44:00 AM

Dreams and hopes and....passions. You are insightful, dear. Thank you for always being so thoughtful in the comments you post. Hugs

John Hamilton

Date: 2/1/2018 8:24:00 AM

This is soo good Eileen, wrote in your inimitable style, congrats on POTD, well deserved!!

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/3/2018 3:05:00 AM

Thanks ever so much, John. I'm glad you liked it. Blessings.

James Inman

Date: 2/1/2018 7:17:00 AM

A beautiful write and wonderful metaphor Eileen. The veil of discretion, of religion, of desire, of self doubt, we all hide ourselves from the pain of opening ourselves for fear of societal ostracism.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/3/2018 3:06:00 AM

Yes, you understood the essence of my write perfectly, James. I'm glad you are so insightful. Hugs

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 1/31/2018 8:48:00 AM

This one has really struck a chord. I enjoyed reading it again and the accompanying comments. Hugs Rick

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/3/2018 3:07:00 AM

Thanks for your continued support, Richard. You are one of the main reasons I come back to this place again and again. Hugs

Gershon Wolf

Date: 1/30/2018 9:21:00 PM

Wonderful! So true and so poignant! The veil lets the wearer breathe; it only seems to smother: as you so aptly put it, "thoughts burn unseen..." I know the veil and related accoutrements well, having met, taught, and conversed with so many pious Muslims and Orthodox Jewish women. You've nailed it! Thank you for sharing it with us. Bravo! --Gershon Wolf

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 1/30/2018 9:43:00 AM

Eileen, I knew this poem was written by your pen three lines in! Your poem reflects your inner beauty as well as outer beauty my friend. A powerful tribute for all women to embrace! Outstanding writing and a Fave from me! Congratulations on having it honored for POTD! : )

James Swartz

Date: 1/29/2018 11:52:00 PM

A very empowering piece. I enjoy that it is crafted by you and you turn it into a strength. A great poem!

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/3/2018 2:42:00 AM

Thank you, James. I appreciate the time you took to read and comment. :)

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib

Date: 1/29/2018 10:11:00 PM

Powerful and beautiful, eloquent moving piece Eileen, a piece of art. Wonderful potd! Congratulations <3 xomo

Eileen Manassian
Date: 1/29/2018 10:13:00 PM

Thank you, dear Maureen. :) Much appreciated. Hugs <3

Susan Ashley

Date: 1/29/2018 8:21:00 PM

An impressive and captivating poem Eileen. I'm so glad you stepped out from behind your veil to post this breathtakingly beautiful and meaningful poem. Enthralling! Congratulations on POTD honors! ~Susan

Eileen Manassian
Date: 1/29/2018 9:42:00 PM

Thank you for your visit and kind comment, Susan. It is much appreciated. It's important to empower women, especially in countries where they are oppressed. Blessings.

Donna Loughman

Date: 1/29/2018 6:23:00 PM

Eileen, your poem struck a very personal chord for me.. “When the time has come..when I am ready..it will fall away..thank you! Congratulations on POTD! Donna

Eileen Manassian
Date: 1/29/2018 9:43:00 PM

Thanks ever so much for your visit, Donna. I'm glad you were able to relate to this poem on a personal level. That is what poetry is all about. Blessings.

Jack Ellison

Date: 1/29/2018 4:30:00 PM

Dear Betty Boop!!! GUESS WHO????? Yup, tis Kenny, please forgive me, my dearest forever friend! Congratulations for your selection for POTD, I am asking for your forgiveness for not keeping in touch! It's inexcusable... please forgive! Love, Kenny xoxoxox

Eileen Manassian
Date: 1/29/2018 9:44:00 PM

Hey, dear Kenny. It's Ok...you are a sweetie pie whether you visit or not, but I kept visiting and got lonesome when you didn't visit back. Hugs and thanks for dropping by.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 1/29/2018 3:18:00 PM

- An impressive poem, dear Eileen - Really a pleasure to find this as a poem for the day, it is well deserved :) - Best wishes and warm regards //Anne-Lise :)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 1/29/2018 9:45:00 PM

Thank you for warming my heart by visiting my page, Sunshine. :) I appreciate it. Hugs, dear one.

Eve Roper

Date: 1/29/2018 12:50:00 PM

Wonderful write, Eileen, congratulations on POTD

Eileen Manassian
Date: 1/29/2018 1:26:00 PM

Thank you, dear Eve. Much appreciated, dear. :)

Emile Pinet

Date: 1/29/2018 12:07:00 PM

This is very well written with impeccable imagery. The words are delicious, descriptive, lively, creative and masterful, floating onto the page with a flamboyant poetic style with the aid of a brilliant wit that captures the reader's imagination and attention from the beginning and delivers to the end. Bravo my friend! Emile.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 1/29/2018 1:26:00 PM

Thanks ever so much for this glowing comment, Emile. I'm touched by it and thankful for your visit. I'm glad it was to your liking as you know your poetry is to mine. Blessings.

Faraz Ajmal

Date: 1/29/2018 10:17:00 AM

A very brilliant and beautiful write, I really enjoyed reading it, well I m a muslim and I don t believe that it s in any way offensive because you have your own culture and own thoughts, giving advise is everyone s right but a person must do what he/she thinks is right, it s in no way offensive, in Islam wearing staff to cover your head is compulsary, but putting a veil is your choice, if you don t do it, there s no sin but women do it because of their security, to be protected from bad eyes

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/30/2018 8:06:00 AM

I like your explanation of the veil.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 1/29/2018 11:15:00 AM

Thank you, Faraz. I'm glad that you did not find anything offensive in it. I would never want to offend those of the Muslim faith. I grew up in Iran, and had close Muslim friends. You are right. It does give a woman a sense of security from the eyes of those who look at her in a bad way. Thank you for reading my poem.