Ma, Why Can’t I Play During My Periods?

“Mama,” said Tina, “Please listen to what I say—

I am bored of all this resting, doing nothing the entire day.

My friends are calling me. Please can I join them and play?”

“No!” exclaimed her mother, “I forbid you to go!”

It’s the time of the month again, so you should very well know—

That you need to be extra cautious and ought to take things slow.”

“Every month, mama,” said Tina, “You give the same advice—

Don’t take part in sports. Don’t even exercise!

 If periods are a natural process, then why this sacrifice?

Do you think I’ll get irritable with others or cry tears in vain?

Are you worried I’ll feel fatigued or experience injury or stomach pain?

Or is it that I’ll start bleeding more and my clothes will get stained?”

My periods might cause some discomfort, my confidence might not be that high;

My performance too might get affected, a medal could pass me by;

Then should I accept defeat before I even try?

Are periods then an excuse, in sports, to prevent our entry

Or are they such a dreaded thing, you feel reluctant to disagree;

Is this the price we pay for something so necessary?

Why are they still taboo? Will we ever be set free?

 Poet: Dr Aparna Padgaonkar

Dr. Aparna is an Obstretician and a Gyanaecologist who is an avid reader of the Menstrupedia Blog. 

I am grateful to Mrs Suvarna Mehta, my sister without whose help and guidance I couldn’t have written the poem.- Dr. Aparna