When a soldier returns from war
The blood all over
Represents bravery and courage
From that point on
Society puts them on a pedestal

When a young girl starts to bleed
And I come into her life
Society attaches it with negative connotations
I am shameful and disgusting
And no where near that pedestal

They tend to dread the time
I come to them for 5 days a month
It seems I cause them pain
Cramps, bodyache, fatigue

Those were never my intentions
Yet I’m considered the worst of the worst

When family members know
Some make the girl sleep outside the house
With no access to anything
While some celebrate that the girl is finally ready to get married so young
While others continue with life
Treating it as a phenomenon

I believe I am nature’s most beautiful natural phenomena
I hope to give strength and courage

But society laughs,
Points,
Giggles,
Turns and walks the other way
And some pretend I’m non existent

Sanitary pads are hidden by girls
When taken to the washroom
Hoping no one will see
Am I that shameful?

When I cause a stain on a girls dress
She walks down the hall
With people whispering
Laughing and pointing
Breaking her self-esteem
Into pieces

I don’t get these stereotypes
Myths
Lies
Perceptions
That people have brought on me

I should be appreciated
I’m the turning point when a girl becomes a woman
I’m not dirty
I’m a beauty
I’m phenomenal
I deserve the pedestal
Everyone does

Yet I’m uncommonly common
In a society where we have grown in mostly all aspects
But why does it seem that I never will.

-YOUR PERIOD

Anaya Jethanandani is a grade 9 student of Indus International School, Bangalore. She’s passionate on working towards women’s empowerment and believe that everyone should be aware of their basic human rights. She is interested in economics and believes that financial inclusion is a bridge towards women’s empowerment. This poem ‘Uncommonly Common’, describes that for one to go through their periods is normal and a biological process however society looks down on it. We must progress our beliefs and treat every person with respect, no matter their gender.