Twenty-Eight Days

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Carleigh DiPasquale

 

Twenty-eight days long,

Predictably cyclical,

And subject to modern gynecology,

Is it because of this scrutiny,

That you like to feign elusiveness?

 

The games begin on Day Twenty-Two, 

Their objective?

Test my limits, 

Perhaps deliver punishment for maligning you,

Relentless aches, bad skin, and sleepless nights.

 

By Day Twenty-Five, 

I’ve accepted insanity,

Though we’re well-acquainted,

You slip under the radar, 

Your hand unsuspected and cycle forgotten.

 

Twenty-eight days, 

Twenty-nine,

Thirty,

Thirty-One,

Longer, when you want to scare me.

 

Then Day One arrives,

Your bloody advent a predictable surprise,

Welcomed with open arms and a grateful sigh of relief,

As I brace for the pain,

Ready to begin the cycle anew.

 

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Carleigh DiPasquale (class of 2026) is majoring in English and political science with a minor in religion. She is from Robbinsville, New Jersey. When she’s not writing, Carleigh enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and relaxing with her four Chihuahuas and three cats. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in law. 

Carleigh wrote this poem for in a creative writing class taught by Professor Paul Blaney. Blaney selected the piece for inclusion in WHR.