My hubby gave me a white kerchief Verbalized, Kajal smudged

White kerchief left me with nostalgia

Encountered the first period,

In my husband's home

Shouted at the blood stain in the saree

Wept like anything…

He kept my mouth shut

He taught what the period was

He comforted me with his words

Found his white kerchiefs in the wardrobe

Made sanitary pads by stuffing cotton

Gave them with a forehead kiss

There is more conversation in a kiss

Than there is in the language

Still, I remember how it felt

The first time put his arms around me

Skin against skin

Hands intertwined

The best feeling in the world is,

Being pulled closer

On that day

Long hugs, deep looks, and slow kisses

Made my period the worth

Found the one who could handle

The fire in me

Constantly, consistently, and still

You, my euphoria.....

About the Poetess

Prof. Ramya is an author and tribal researcher. A postgraduate in English literature; Prof. Ramya has an M.Phil. in  Translation and comparative literature. She has done various research articles on the tribal and her work has been featured in various media houses of national repute which include Outlook India, Indian Express, Mathrubhumi, and others. She has also written a book ‘Voice Of India’ focused on the tribal.