The Complex Relationship Between Me and My Pain

A Poem

Photo by Sinitta Leunen on Unsplash

When we’re in public
And the flare begins,
It registers as a simple
Contortion of expression
Or a hissing of my breath.
The grace of being home is
That I no longer have to waste
Energy on looking okay.
I fall to the ground
Screaming,
No one around
To hear me,
Thankfully.
I’d rather suffer in silence
Than be subjected
To deafening stares.
I feel like I’m in
An abusive relationship
With my body;
No one can see the bruises.

If you are a fan of this poem or my poetry in general, I invite you to check out both of my poetry collections, including my most recent publication ‘When I Bleed: Poems about Endometriosis.’ You can find it https://amzn.to/32uWRPv or anywhere you buy your poetry!