When I was eleven

When I was 11, 

I was forced to be old. 

My body started changing; 

I was experiencing a whole new world. 

Yes, I got my period, 

And I thought it was supposed to feel great.

But the society had different expectations, 

which I eventually started to hate. 

I went to my grandma’s place one day, 

which made my confidence drastically fall.

As I told her I was on my period that day,

She didn’t let me enter the kitchen at all. 

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I felt impure, I felt unwanted, 

as I sat alone outside,

Nobody was allowed to touch me apparently, 

I was crying inside. 

I wasn’t allowed to go to temples, 

I just couldn’t figure out why?

Rapists, terrorists, even murderers are welcomed there, 

but a girl on her period is denied? 

Everything was just so confusing, 

especially when Dashain and Tihar arrived; 

I just sat there silently on my own,

Though I said I was okay, I lied. 

Menstruation is a natural process.

For sure, it’s not a crime; 

let’s change this mentality of ours, 

Now, is definitely the right time. 

Priyata is a high school student at 

NIST International School.