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.
Poet – Bhumika Sharma
This poem was originally published here.
Illustration by Aditi Gupta.
