Yes, I Bleed; And It Doesn’t Make Me Impure

As a menstruating woman, I bleed every month. It is biological, powerful, and no matter what society feels, it does not make me shameful or impure.

Yes, I bleed

Life exists
within my blood
You, me and the human breed,

Childhood is lost
Over period cramps
The confusion of tampons
and use of pads
And not to forget the mud,
newspaper, soiled cloth, n hey
Scores of us struggle
For five days of dignity
And keep
the mood swings at bay,

The spots stopped me
From my whites
Nonetheless
The peering eyes
As I carry wrapped whisper
In my stride

I have been hushed up
For my pain
The do’s and don’ts
there’s a list I gain
As the festivities are coming
In a fleet
I need to calculate
My days to be neat

Lest I will be away
Just a spectator
Won’t be allowed to touch
The idol of clay
She doesn’t …bleed
But her part in me does
I won’t be inclusive in ritual
Celebrate or sway
I bleed hence I will be away

I cannot go in the kitchen
not touch the utensils
sauce and pickle
the worship place is
out of reach
you are meant to follow this,
they preach

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Am I dirty
Am I impure?
I defy you
I am everything but not this for sure
I am on a journey
to womanhood
I am on a journey
to progeny
I am on a journey
to bring nature within me

I defy your norms
I defy what you preach
I take pride in my blood
and say
Yes, I bleed.

Image source: shutterstock

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