There is a creature inside of me

Clawing at my stomach walls.

If it keeps up scratching, then maybe

It will scratch itself free.

The claw will protrude from somewhere just above my navel

Splitting the flesh with symmetric precision.

I imagine the blood

Blooming on my shirt like an exotic flower;

I writhe exquisitely as the creature

Climbs from my abdomen and into the world.

Never were there such lovely birthing pains.

Now the creature is free

And I lie on the ground like a picture

Red, chafed lips

Contrasting aesthetically with pale skin,

Sweat-drenched hair curling like a Renaissance painting.

And suffering is right

And pain is a blessing.

My agony is beautiful

Because I deserve it.