The tampon, a glass slipper
Hold it like a bullet,
You know how to
Even if you’ve never held one.
A tampon, however, is unknown,
Loaded with secrecy,
So learn.
Hold it like a bullet
Twist its body in a swirl
Till the plastic cover splits.
Unravel it
From the end where the string
Resides like a spiral.
Draw it out
Tug at the hem
Marvel at its length.
Pull the string to all sides
Till the tampon transforms
Into a blooming flower.
Remove the plastic
From the other end
And now you’re ready.
Squat on the knees
Slide it in your body
Adjust, go straight or slant
Stand upright.
You feel nothing else
But the string between your thighs.
Go swim and run,
Do not concern
Yourself with virginity
Your forgetfulness
Your ignorance.
Rip apart the tampon if you may
See it in its entirety
Its form,
Its ability,
To let your mind fly,
Your shoulders loose,
At least for a while.
Zainab Kakal reads for pleasure, loves long walks and enjoys a good cup of tea. She writes at A Thought Experiment.
3