You know me as the rag, the crimson wave,

Aunt Flo, Flying the red flag and

most popularly as Problem.

 

I am a problem for those little girls

who don’t have anyone to ask /clear their doubts during menarche and after,

I am not a problem, for menarchists around the world

who are making efforts to spread awareness steadily!

I am a problem for those who don’t understand me,

No I am not a problem, in fact, am an indication of reproductive health!

 

I am a problem when taboos exist even as to talking about me,

I am not a problem, when people talk freely about me!

I am a problem for those who don’t have access to means of hygiene,

No I am not a problem, in fact, I deserve proper sanitation facilities!

 

I am a problem for those who discriminate for religious misinterpretations,

No I am not a problem; no God ostracizes me or female undergoing me!

I am a problem for those who are prohibited from worshipping God,

No I am not a problem, No religion in reality prohibits it!

I am a problem for those who have to use rags, sand and tree leaves to absorb me,

No I should not be a problem if each woman gets hygienic menstrual absorbents!

 

I am a problem for those who hesitate to have physical relationship with their partners while I am on,

No I am not a problem as medical studies prove it is not harmful to engage in sex while I am on!

I am a problem for those who are forced to dry their period clothes in shade and have open toilets.

I am not a problem if all have menstrual hygiene facilities!

 

I am a problem for those who consume hormonal drugs to stop me,

I am not a problem but misconception among females who don’t know long term side-effects of hormonal intake!

I am a problem for those who don’t have access to proper nutrition and diet leading to painful periods,

I am not a problem; rather I am the reason behind proper bodily functioning!

I am a problem for those having me, who are stopped from touching family members ,

No I am not a problem; I don’t make anyone untouchable and destructible!

 

I am a problem, and portrayed negatively by pharma companies who want to profit by negating me,

I am not a problem, I am not blue, I don’t need artificial accompanies!

I am not a problem; I am not a problem.

I don’t want to continue being misunderstood and metaphored among the masses.

 

Let me breathe , let me rejoice.

I am not a problem for anyone of you.

I am Special; I don’t expect being worshipped,

I only want acceptance as a natural process.

Call me periods or menses, not problem, not curse.

How can I harm? I am the one who form human lives.

If you can’t love me, at least don’t abandon me!

I am not a problem; I am not a problem,

How much and for how long I need to reiterate?

I am beauty and strength,

Don’t feel cursed, don’t make others feel cursed.

I am not a problem; I am not a problem!

Let me breathe , let me rejoice.

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Poet – Bhumika Sharma

This poem was originally published here.

Illustration by Aditi Gupta.

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