Ode to My Uterus

For fifty years
You’ve been my curse;
You gave me cramps
And even worse.

For one brief pause
You held my child,
And then returned
To going wild.

Menopause
Brought no reprieve;
Your monthly guest
Refused to leave.

Your final insult
Was a cancer;
“Begone, foul womb!”
My final answer.

BJ Swartz
9/8/07