When womanhood begins and ends

This poem was inspired by Blood from the Womb by CT Idlehouse. It brought back memories of when my period began and when it ended.

At 10 and 11 my female friends and family

Became women, but I was still a girl

Each day that went by made me realize

I was not a part of their grown-up world

I watched, I waited I prayed

Checked my panties every day

No mentrual cyclefor me

Why was mine staying away

1000 days of confusion and tears

But on Thanksgiving, when I was 13

My period came after waiting for six months and two years

Menopause came early for me

When I was 42, my period stopped

I cried over the loss

It was the end of my biological clock

I had three children and did not want more

But I no longer had the choice

My womanhood came late and left early

It felt like someone had stolen my voice

No more bleeding, cramps, or birth control

Other women said they were filled with glee

I felt sad, like a friend I had known

For 30 years had been taken away from me