More than Red

Such a distance you travel
Every month
With divine precision
You start with hope
Anticipation, preparation to receive
To be the bed of warmth and nourishment for anticipated life

Graciously, you dissolve
Like a river seeking an outlet
Somewhere to escape to

You are received with dread, annoyance, indifference
But mostly shame
Like an ugly dark secret that must be hidden

You are not a stain
You are a beautiful testimonial to the divine balance
You are not just 5 days of dread
But a celebration of life, feminity, youth and possibility

By: Hiba Tanvir