Deep Red
I bleed with strength tonight
Even though I am losing drops of life
I am also rejuvenating
Coming back to life
Renewing my self-vows
As I let my body speak
Quietly, and discreetly
Reminding me of my strength
As a human woman
My self-worth intensifies
Every time I bleed and don't die
As if I purposely chose to defy
The laws concerning death
Red leaves me and I breathe
Red shakes me but I function, still
Red readies me, for the daily struggles
For the daily battles
Can you imagine crimson escaping your paradise every month?
Yet, society has the nerve to call you the weaker sex?
Do you get that?
Does it make any sense?
I used to curse red velvet's appearance
But now, oh, but now
It reminds me that I was chosen
On purpose
By something who loves me in the sky
To wear these varying shades of colors
For days on end
Once, every month
Knowing full well, that just enough could leave me
And I would still live
I would live, and not die
The inside of my thighs blushes every month
For so many reasons I may never comprehend
Yet, I am humble enough to understand
That there is power in blood shed
My body self-sacrifices to self-preserve
As if to prepare me for things to come
To allow me some rest
That I may not succumb
To the many daily stresses
And not that it matters
But some even said
I should never wear red on my lips
Yet, they want to part the other pair
Forgetting full well that I bleed red over there
Yes, I bleed red, a deep red
So to that
I'll wear whatever Goddamn shade of red there is!
Fuck, I'll wear all the shades I've bled
Cherry stained, crimson
Red velvety, red wine
Taste my lips
I know this red
And will wear it till nature decides otherwise
I wear this color with pride
The Goddess in me makes no apologies
For any stains I leave
As I was only trying to bleed and not die
I could go on
But I have nothing to explain
I'm too busy bleeding
And coming back to life
What happens to you when you bleed?
*Published initially online December 24, 2014