Lamented

By Jeffrey A. Paolano

How different she looks without a Hijab. Below bobbed hair she wears unsanctioned habiliment defiantly, Western oh so Western.

Says she, “I can’t stand it; never will I stand this…”

He thinks how strong she is, how she faces tribulations straight on. “I understand, dear,” he mumbles heart imploding, crushing in as he knows his life will, and is.

“It’s either this or misery. I’m not willing to waste my life in protracted keening.”

“Will you consider…isn’t there some change we can figure…anything?”

“I’m not considering, I’m leaving.”

“I understand, dear.”

Although endeavoring he doesn’t forgive her, can’t, won’t.