The first time I bled,

Father smiled, congratulated me and called me a Woman.

I was only 12,

Not even a teen yet.

And it came the second time, the third, fourth, fifth...till I lost count.

Have I gotten used to it? No.

When you think you've found your path, it comes with different modes and strokes, and even the ones I didn't know existed. It's a mystery, constantly rolling me in.

Dear girl child,

You say you love yourself,

But do you love yourself and hate your own blood?

Your period isn't shameful! Why would you feel ashamed about what God has created in you?

He created everything and called them beautiful. Do you know your blood isn't an exception too?

Dear Woman,

The next time you stand in the mirror to find that uniqueness in you,

It is right here in your face,

Lurking at your door,

Entering unannounced even though you are prepared,

Waiting to stain your bedspread,

Or ruin the perfect day you've created in your head.

Embrace it, girl!

Your period is not something unpleasant.

It is part of you. It is you.

Your period isn't dirty,

No, it doesn't make you unclean,

You are not just a human,

You are a Woman.

Do you not know what you carry? Life!

So, bleed!

Bleed to life!