Sadia Ali Heil
Veils
When Afghanistan falls,
an image circulates in social circles, spheres
of Western feminism.
A woman wears a veil.
Her daughter wears a veil.
Her daughter’s doll wears a veil.
How horrible! they claim.
So sad!
How oppressive! Save them
the little girls,
the women.
We fear for their future.
What about the veil they wear,
the veil that hails over their tongue?
Veils of comfort
concealing
true feelings? I am better than
deserve more than
the women behind the veil
babies cut from their bellies
bare, c-sections without anesthetics
their daughters behind our screens
scouring for weeds, grateful for dinner—
for animal feed
their dolls there are no dolls there is nothing left
not even a veil.
Where are you? Where are you? Where are you? Spheres
of freedom women’s march
my body, my choice—sea of pink pussy hats
Astakfirullah! Drowning
in audacity—
their bodies, MY choice
How horrible!
So sad!
How oppressive! Save them
from the veils they wear
concealing
We care! (when it serves our interests)
We care! (when it serves us)
We care! (because)
veils
serve
us
“Ask any veteran where they were three years ago when Afghanistan fell. They’ll remember. Many sprang into action: helpers. Others succumbed to confusion, fear. That’s how I came across the image of the veils.
Though microaggressions rooted in anti-Muslim bias are commonplace, the hypocrisy, still mind-bogglingly audacious. When Western supermodels rock veils on red carpets, in fashion shows, they are lauded. Meanwhile, ‘full gender parity’ proud nations continue banning veils (which is why seeing Olympic icons like Sifan Hassan rock a veil while accepting her record-breaking gold medal was so deeply, incredibly fortifying).
‘My body, my choice’ applies to all women. Someday. Insh’allah.” —Sadia Heil
Sadia Ali Heil is a writer, advocate, and Air Force veteran who grew up listening to South Asian stories of family and faith. Her debut picture book, Baba’s Car (Candlewick Press), is set for publication in Spring 2026. In her free time, Sadia hoards plants and family photos, arranges flowers, paddleboards, runs, and hikes. You can find her on Instagram @sadiaheilbooks.