That first pimple which spread

First love that broke the heart

As it tied the knot with another

The first assault with trickling blood between the thighs

The silent scream never seems to stop

After a thousand poems

Attempting to accept “love” in male words or deeds

The first yawn of the baby in the orphanage as he stopped howling

And slept between loving adopted breasts

The arrival of the first tooth that refused all food

It was pain not pride

Can you understand?

Even  if  it pains?

Especially because it pains…