Red Rose

Red,

Like a rose.

But many,

too many,

bunched together

so the red is too bright.

It's overwhelming;

No longer just a gesture

But now a full scream.

SHOUT.

Pain.

Now take the rose,

Cut it up,

Soak it in its own colour.

The petals in the middle

Darker,

More deeply punished in its redness.

Cry.

Shame.

Broken.

Shedded.

Cramped.

Spit out the word

VAGINA.

Scientific

Cold

Scary

Give it a new name

more childlike

Playful

Pussy.

Take the sting out.

Mutilate the word.

FGM.

Menstruation.

The time of the month?

The electricity bill is due?

Now laugh

Sigh.

Feel.

hips,

breasts,

stomach,

archs,

and angles,

WOMAN.

Love

Life.

Power.

Red,

like that rose

All bunched together.

Many.

Stronger.

Sing the words.

Call it what you will:

A celebration of life.

Happy International Women's Day 2012

Nimo Hussein