Wings
(to “Wings” by Cat Faber)
Copyright © 2003 Lynn Gold
I need protection from unwanted stares
I’m busy flowing and don’t want to share
They have panty liners, tampons with strings
But all of the napkins have wings
Fumbling to tuck it between my two thighs
Hiding my napkin from locker room eyes
What leads to confusion are those two white things
Where am I s’posed to hide wings?
Cruel is this thing called menstruation
I stand here in abject frustration
I cannot keep the things from showing
Lost here, I hope that they’re not knowing
Off to the drugstore, I’m rolling my cart
My body is leaking; don’t know where to start
There’s maxis and light days; some scented like spring
All of the napkins have wings
Under the “Feminine Supplies” sign
Gazing at all the different pad kinds
Suddenly bursting through the sundries
Wings want to fly into my undies
Walking the aisle I can see I’m alone
I don’t dare look down. I know I have flown.
My trench coat hides red as I grab the first thing
All of the napkins have wings
Features that claim to hold the torrent
Mine claim to be the most absorbent
My wings are right for menstruation
My wings are not for aviation
Wishing I’d bought them before when I could
My dripping lands on the pad really good
Extra thin maxis are such useful things
Under my clothes I have wings.
