You know that feeling when you’re sitting with your Moroccan partner’s family? Everyone’s talking, laughing, making jokes, and you have no idea what’s going on. You just sit there, smiling, nodding, trying to follow along. But deep down, you feel awkward. Out of place. It’s not your fault. You just didn’t grow up with the language. You fell in love with your partner. You built a life together, maybe even have kids. But every time you visit your in-laws, there’s that same uncomfortable feeling. B

Zajal — the Darija Poets of Morocco