Love/Hate

I was embarrassed when you first showed up
 That first night
 And my agony at your existence
 It intensified over time

 I am so sorry that I hated you
 For so long, every single day
 Ever since I can remember, actually
 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 shake you up 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)
 And 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

by Greeshma Rajeev

Illustration credits: Raphaelle Camarcat