I don’t mean to complain
about my ruthless uterus
but all the same
(though I hate to make a fuss)
periodically it drives me
almost insane.
Ok it’s not really
the uterus, but
the hormones triggered
by its cycles and not even really that
but the actions of these hormones on the brain.
Why is it always ‘the’ brain anyway?
as if to say we can’t lay claim to it
or it encompasses all that is us
including my unruly uterus
and for sure both brain and uterus
are out of my control
forcing me to learn my own body language,
to listen intently to its reactions:
don’t feed it too much caffeine
don’t overload it with sugars but maintain
stable blood sugar levels always
otherwise you’ll feel as if you’re dying
but you’re not, so be glad of that
even when the Devil comes and whispers in your ear ‘why not
take the easy way out?’
You will be tested, periodically
taken to the dark side
by the functions of the body
and to remember the bright side will become
an act of faith.
And so we grow:
regardless of the blood and bone and brain
or plain because of it
ruthless uteruses all belong to
warriors: to every one of us.
© Experimentsinfiction 2021, All Rights Reserved
This poem is dedicated to all PMDD and endometriosis sufferers
It is PMDD awareness month: it’s a condition I have, and have written about extensively. Endometriosis is another condition which causes problems to women with ruthless uteruses. I’m here to say we will no longer be patted on the knee by condescending doctors who make light of our ‘women’s problems.’ We are warriors, advocating for our reproductive health.
Written for dVerse, where Grace has prompted us to write a poem about the body.