B O D Y    H A I R

Greeshma Rajeev

I was embarrassed when you first showed up

That first night

My agony at your existence

It intensified over time

I am so sorry I hated you

For so long, every single day

Ever since I can remember,

I have wished you away

I pinched you out when you were young,

Drowned you in hot and sticky liquid when you were grown,

Patted you for a minute, only to rip you out

Of the only home you’ve ever known

I sent sparks shooting into your core

To rile you from within

When I got tired and didn’t want to deal,

I resorted to beheading

But you, you always came back

You didn’t let my shame discourage you

Nor the playground taunts, the supermodels,

The judgemental friends, the Cosmo issues

You drowned out that petty voice

“I like it smooth” (well, fuck you)

Those insane comments from the boys

“Keep it clean” (bitch, please)

It took me decades to understand why you still hug me tight on cold nights

Why you always stuck by me, why you never cared

See, the thing is, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with body hair