Quotes from Mohja Kahf

All women speak two languages: the language of men and the language of silent suffering. Some women speak a third, the language of queens.

I'm not defending their views . I'm defending their right to have their views. There's a difference.

One time her father told her Shakespeare was really an Arab. 'Just look at his name: It's an Anglicization of Sheikh Zubayr,' he said with a straight face.

I cannot operate from fear anymore.

You do not know your own beauty, you struggle in grief, but I, I have seen it all, and I know: You yourself are the secret essence.

That's Pete Seeger,' Joy said, indicating the snake with a nod. 'Baker beaned 'im, Dad stuffed 'im, and I named 'im.

Juma: I'm not a woman--I don't know HOW to cook! Khadra: Well, it didn't come with my BOOBS!

Here was an exposure, her soul an unmarked sheet shadowing into distinct shapes under the fluids. Fresh film. Her self, developing.

And together they did eat of the candy corn. And it was good.

Her eyes sparkle like she's about to cartwheel through a mosque.

For in song lies the mystery of Being.

You knew you were an Arab if your ride form the airport was two dozen people.

He] [w]ent deep into the cave where wounded men go when they walk around not talking to anyone about what's happening to them on the inside. Also known as Terre Haute.

Peeling an eggplant was like unveiling an ivory-skinned woman dressed all in black.

A treasure that fire cannot eat. my little secret. I've carried them wrapped in a handkerchief in my bosom through some tight places. Not for nothing do Shamy girls have good boobs.

Obey, obey, obey -obey what? My body catching this wind is obeying the pulse of the breathtaking Divine. You, canoeing those rapids, are breaking into the spray of larger, unseen Waves.

Here are the long-awaited evenings Here you are. Here am I. Your face the orizon I want to see

L'esilio più lungo è l'esilio del cuore L'unico passaggio per il ritorno è l'amore

And here's one reminder: avoid filling your life with nice people who find racism invisible or who second-guess your every instinct on it while indulging in liberal hand-wringing, because eventually, this will drain your inner resources. Seek out people who are woke - tel me if I just used a hip word correctly?

The longest exile is exile of the heart The only passage for return is love