My grandmother always told me…

“It’s okay to cry

But people may judge you.

The important thing is not to listen.

It’s okay to not be white and Christian

But people may call you names.

The important thing is to remember who you are.

It’s okay to be different

But people may drift away.

The important thing is to remember to be yourself.”

And then she would tuck

That stray sprig of hair

Back underneath her hijab.

And then she would pour me a cup of tea.

And she would gossip about the women from her book club.