Lauren Burstein

FRIDAY’S PROCEDURE

i am swollen with surprises

unlike the room which is tiled and fluorescent.

there are fingers everywhere,

everywhere women in blue.

i am a large unremarkable centerpiece.

i sob and the doula asks why

like it’s ok you know.

i don’t know how i got here i say.

and a few of them say aww.

the iv is supposed to calm the nerves

but im shaking and the doctor commands me to stop.

everyone says shhhh as if im making noise.

im just making blood.

its just cells at this point.

its a casual thing

he said many times.

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