Why

to talk you into writing me that script. By the time I saw you again this past October, it was too late, I had a positive test, six weeks after my last cycle. I started bleeding clots in all shades of red. I tested again, negative then. You told me I had, “irregular bleeding.” I never asked, but I’m guessing you never marked it “Miscarriage – 6 weeks” in my chart. When I started taking the Tri-Sprintec again, last December was when I found out again, I was pregnant.

You should’ve been more proactive in your sexual health—especially since you’re having unprotected sex. Have you been tested for STI’s?

Good—with how you’ve been, you’ll definitely need it. What were the results? I requested them during my last visit with my PCP.

You should be grateful nothing worse has happened to you. Negative across the board— for HIV as well.

Poetry Katerina Constantinides

Dublin, California, USA

Why do we strive for things we will never achieve? Go to school. Get a job. Dream big. Work hard, play hard! Work hard, play hard! But in reality, it's just a dream. Life is hard! Why do we try so hard? Work hard, play hard! Work hard, play hard! We try so hard. And for what? To get paid a minuscule amount for a chance at a dream? You work until you’re in your grave. Dragging on in a harsh cycle of depression and exhaustion. Just blowing in the wind. But wait, you see a spark! A flashing light that blinds you and you see what it's all for. Work for the chance to catch the spark! Work for the chance to put a smile on someone's face! A chance to know the stars. When the sky weeps and the heavens fall, Be the flower that grows in the dark. Work hard, play hard. Work for the flowers on your grave.