While research indicates that the saying is more than figurative (suggesting that critical thought areas in the brain are suppressed when we’re “feeling love”) I’ve always believed–always knew–that if “love is blind” it is not because it sees less, but because it sees more. Perhaps, likely even, that it sees too much.
And I don’t think I’m wistful or naive to believe this.
But maybe to some degree incompatible with this world. I’m very impatient–until I’m in love, at which point I find I have patience of an unlimited amount, and sometimes that may be dangerous, being such a faithful and passionate person, and such a stubborn one. It happens sincerely, freely, I’ve never had a close friend I didn’t love. If only love meant we saw more–on more than one side, or if only the entire world saw love. Either way, it doesn’t exclusively stifle our ability to act logically or sternly. And to shove it aside and dismiss it is absurdly illogical as emotional aspects are functioning areas of our brains and we need to utilize those more, not less.
This Ramadan has involved struggle, as is warranted, though through the arising of surprising and unexpected circumstances. I feel fortified, cleansed, and at the same time soft against the edge of a knife–there was a poem, what was the line?–“Were knowledge all, what were our need / to thrill and faint and sweetly bleed?” I feel like I can burst into blossom.
I can laugh easier, and deeper. And I can repent and regret, a blessing of the struggles of this past month. That’s another thing, a quote that never resonated with me: “No regrets.” I have regrets. I burn bridges and I don’t look back as they go up in flames, and sometimes I wish I had. I’m glad to say I wish I had, cleansed to have struggled and to know. I would say only fools have no regrets, but who am I to make that claim?
All that said, I am happy to be reunited with my red lipstick.
And I hope you all have a beautiful Eid, full of love, and full of genuinely few regrets.
Good night.
the fatal feminist 
What a beautiful post. Eid Mubarak!
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Eid Mubarak to you. I've recently stumbled upon your blog and have really enjoyed reading it. You write beautifully and with a conviction that I envy. Will visit again soon :)
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Nice Post. (and great lipstick :-)) Eid Mubarak to you too!!
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where is your other eye D:
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Nahida, you are darkly beautiful, if that makes sense, MashAllah.And, seriously, not many people even look good from that angle…Eid Mubarak!
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What poem is that.. I'd like to read it in its entirety. In other news, I'm in awe at your way with words.
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I believe it's called, "Because She Would Ask Me Why I Loved Her" by Christopher Brennan.And thank you!
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Eid Mubarak! (Is it still Eid?)A beautiful post. Good luck. :)
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Yes, some people celebrate Eid for up to three days, and others haven't started. =)Eid Mubarak!
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"The heart sees what is invisible to the eyes."- The Little PrinceEid Mubarak and bless you for your writing & speaking "truth to power".
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Il est très simple: on ne voit bien qu'avec le coeur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.That book makes my own heart melt. Thank you.
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Eid Mubarak. May Allah accept it (the worship) from us and from you.
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Eid Mubarak! I just walked down "Little North Africa" in my neighborhood and it was so joyous–men and women in their bejeweled finery, the scent of hookah tobacco wafting through the air, music thumping, children dancing. Anyway, I thought of you when I saw this woman who was wearing niqab and killer gold heels! It was a first.
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OMG I gotta get me some gold heels…
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