The Red Queen Poem by Uche Nwanze

Oh! this mystery has given me misery
What a mystery!
If this cycle fails to knock at my door I may walk in circles
If the Red Queen finally shows up at my Doorstep I will be Red with excruciating anguish
Like a visitor your arrival a sweet bitter tale for maidens
Old and sagged breasts rejoice your path and theirs won't cross each other again
Like an ogbanje you dance around my obi
While others feast a million times I die
I offer my prayers with silent screams
Is this the price to pay for womanhood
My daughter, it is a rite of passage if you must become a woman
This mystery, from whence does it come from
I love to hate this cycle of circles
Yet some welcome the red moon with open arms
Some weep at sight of the river of blood
What a mystery!
Aduke, pregnant with worry if she fails to show up
Adaora, bathes her pillow with river of tears when the Red Queen pays a visit
If only this mystery will save me the misery
Now I must prepare, for it is time to welcome my visitor