the table was cool

and I felt so exposed

but the doctor said

it was for the best

I try to keep breathing

in slow rhythms and

not let my anxiety

get the best of me

but when cold steel

touches such intimate

areas I could not help

but hold back tears

I prayed for minutes

to go by fast

and then it was over

she told me to sit up

gently and slowly

I saw the crimson

droplets on the sheet

and hoped it wasn't

a bad sign

- Photo by Anna Langova. Courtesy of http://all-free-download.com/free-photos/download/red-rose_190268.html