A moment of reflection, as I think about those mornings when I realized that my period had started and the freedom of the follicular phase was right around the corner.
Morning comes again as dawn is breaking.
Gasp and brace against the pain, I settle;
praise the cramping, stinging me like nettle –
sweet relief that courses through me, quaking.
For this is reprieve, despite the aching.
Joyous blood that does bring back my mettle.
Thankful for these days that taste of metal,
smile and greet my soul that now is waking.
Mind and body no longer accosted.
Senses that were dulled, feel how they heighten;
listen as the storm does pass – no thunder.
Muscles start relaxing. I’m exhausted.
Sloughing off the past few weeks, I lighten,
lift away the weight I was kept under.
Winona Anderson 