Red Curse

That time of the month

When she runs away

A young girl's lost

In guilt and shame.

That time of the month

A teacher calls her name

She is not around

And no one complains.

That time of the month

Of festivals and fairs

Of faces and laughter

But no one's beside her.

That time of the month

When a kitchen's too holy

For her to cook a meal

With her kindness and love.

“That time of the month”

That comes every month

Which remains unnamed

But known to everyone.

That time of the month

When she bleeds silently

Into rags or pads

Wishes it goes, quickly.

That time of the month

When she's cursed

Why then should she

Bear a son first?

- Eisha