Suddenly, I wake up
But not the usual way
No alarm or sunlight to guide me
It’s dark and I’m writhing in pain
“Uh oh”, I say
It’s that time again
I look around, “Oh shoot –there’s a stain”
It’s okay—nothing I can’t wash away
I better get up and take some pain meds today
Or I won’t be able to sit in class again
“Stomach” hurts, back aches, bad posture all day
I’ll be going through the motions in secret pain
Hopefully…these meds work today
One hour goes by
I feel the same
Three hours go by
Uterus is to blame
I take another dose
I know I’m not supposed to
I should wait another hour,
But how am I supposed to?
My “stomach” is relentless
I really can’t get past this
I need these meds to work this time
So I won’t skip today’s classes
I’m lying on the couch
Contorted in position
Waiting, breathing, hoping
That these meds make a decision
Suddenly, I wake up
My regular, usual way
Groggy and wanting more sleep
I look around—so bright outside
I think the pain went away!
I can’t believe it’s been half a day…
I’m almost out of time, the bus is on its way
At least I won’t be missing class today
