A woman’s private ordeal in a war zone

(Based on NPR report on lack of access to menstrual products and restrooms in Gaza)

She is used to seeing reporters around these days

Asking hopeless residents about the different ways

Their lives are in this brutal war affected

Whether they are getting aid as expected-

Many people just mumble replies incoherent

But to talk about a specific ordeal is her intent

So when she is questioned, she mentions the “issue”

Talking about a subject that is still a taboo

Is embarrassing, but women are in dire straits

To deal with menstrual periods with supplies inadequate

Is a nightmare- feminine hygiene products do not rank high

On the list of essentials that aid trucks supply..

*

There are crises being dealt with in a war zone

But this is one that affects women alone-

Menstrual cycles add another layer

To their problems that they cannot easily share

With the men around them, they are desperate

Trying to find hormonal pills to alleviate

Their suffering by halting menstruation

Trying to find a way out of humiliation..

*

In this humanitarian crisis most decisions

Are being made by men in powerful positions

Tragically, to this day, oblivious they remain

To the other gender’s suffering and pain..