Needle sticking into warm pale flesh

She shakes her head and pulls it out, only to try again.

She looks at my arms, my wrists, my hands

All of the scars from previous painful episodes

Other trips to this place

Other people sticking my now very scarred flesh.

I wish I could do this myself

“That vein rolls,” I say

As he tries anyway

And Blood SPRAYS over my new jeans.

“I told you I knew what I was talking about,” I say

In my acquired raised advocate voice.

His eyebrows raise

As I point to the next spot to try…

Near one of my previous scars

Scars from experiences in this place- mental and physical

He listens.

And attempts again.

And I watch the backflow of warm blood with a smile.

His eyes match mine, and he smiles.

And I smile back and thank him for listening.