Freedom in a Bag

Thank you Jacqueline Knight Cotterill of Healingwordspoetry for this simple, beautiful and powerful poem -

FREEDOM IN A BAG

Such a small thing,

a fabric bag, pulled tight

with blue ribbon,

bright patterned.

Within, the gift of freedom from

the monthly collective shame

inflicted on women whose

fate was foretold at birth.

The stain we share, uniting all,

mark of fertility, life-giving bleed,

made manageable, dignified,

a source of pride,

relief reflected in the

broad smiles illuminating

the rainbow scarfed women of Nepal.