India, March 21 -- Don't go inside the kitchen.
But why?
Don't go to the temple, don't pray.
But why?
Don't dine with us, keep your distance.
But why?
It will be over in a week, said mom.
But why?
I ask again, every dawn.
For I bleed?
For I'm impure?
For I should be ashamed?
Is this why?
Isn't this how we are born?
Aren't we all sinful then?
Why should anyone go to the temple then?
Mom, it is nature's gift to us women.
Why is it insulted so much?
Why do men show flagrancy?
So much, they refuse to touch?
Why mom, why?
Yet, I wear full clothes
For they say I can cast
An evil eye to colours.
Just because I bleed.
Are we women, cursed?
Or is it just us, pointing
Fingers at each other
How shameful!
Why don't we fly a...