Summary

Flo, a personification of menstruation, discusses the complex relationship women have with their monthly cycle, which is viewed both as a friend and a foe.

Abstract

Flo is a metaphorical figure representing the menstrual cycle, which is a significant aspect of a woman's life from a young age until menopause. While some women welcome Flo as a sign of fertility and the cycle of life, others view her as an unwelcome guest that disrupts their lives with physical and emotional discomfort. Flo is often blamed for ruining plans and affecting self-image, yet she reminds women of their natural ability to create life. The essay emphasizes the importance of a positive perspective on menstruation, suggesting that the experience with Flo is largely influenced by one's attitude towards this natural process. Flo, existing since the time of Eve, is an integral part of the female experience, and the author urges a reevaluation of the negative sentiment often associated with her.

Opinions

Flo is seen as both a friend who signifies fertility and a foe who brings discomfort and inconvenience.
Women often blame Flo for physical changes, such as feeling fat or being limited in clothing choices.
Despite the negative attitudes, Flo is portrayed as a constant companion to women during their reproductive years.
Flo's presence can be a relief for women who wish to avoid pregnancy, acting as a natural contraceptive.
The author suggests that the negative perception of Flo is influenced by societal attitudes and personal state of mind.
Flo is described as an ancient and integral part of the female experience, with a role that extends back to the biblical Eve.
The essay advocates for a more positive view of Flo, recognizing her as a symbol of life and femininity.
The author emphasizes the responsibility that comes with the power of creation, urging women to pass on a positive legacy about Flo to future generations.

Flo — Friend or Foe

How we became mothers

AdobeStock_336424582.jpeg (Prostock-studio)

Hello, let me introduce myself

My name is Flo

Some women call me their friend

Others consider me a foe

I’ve presented myself to girls as young as the age of eight

Most will be into their fifties before we separate

At times I visit women who’ve just been counting the days till my arrival

If I’m just a day late they’ll be in church clinching to their Bibles

These same women talk about me badly when I am there

About how I ruined the last party because they didn’t have anything to wear

“If Flo comes with me I can’t wear white”

That’s what they always say

Why do I have to take the blame for ruining a special day?

“When Flo is around she makes me look fat”

“If Flo comes with me I have to wear black”

“Flo gives me a headache, she makes me tired”

“Flo is going to hang around until I expire”

I’m a good Flo though, so I take it all in stride

As long as you’re in your childbearing years I’ll be by your side

I’ll be there for you when you don’t want to feel your man’s touch

“Sorry dear, my friend is here, thank you very much”

And I’ll be there to let you know no life is in your womb

But stop taking crazy chances if you don’t want motherhood soon

When you do carry life I won’t intrude

I’ll give you a nine-month interlude

Just promise me that if it’s a girl you’ll tell her nice things about me

Tell her I’ll come to remind her she holds the key to life

So take seriously that responsibility — whether she is or isn’t a wife

Don’t tell her how rude I am to show up uninvited,

That’s how I got my current reputation and why I am so spited

But I’m just a part of nature, beautiful and divine

How miserable I make you depends on your own state of mind

Remember that you are here because I was friends with your mother

If you consider me a foe, then there’s something you need to discover

My name is Flo because I keep life flowing

I am gifted to women because of their mystical showing

I am very ancient and old, here since the time of Eve

And you should never hate that from which you were conceived