Blood Draw

First Time

Hands shaky

Palms sweaty

queasy

uneasy

so much build up for such a little task

the nurse

looks nice enough

will she do a good job though?

I really hope I don’t pass out

oh gosh she asked me to roll up my sleeve

the alcohol feels cool and refreshing though

it means the needle is next though

she says i will feel a pinch

I close my eyes

nothing happens

I look down

and the crimson blood is flowing through the tube

into little beakers like we use in chemistry

she says a few more seconds

this isn’t so bad

the needle slips out seamlessly

from my blue and puffy vein

an ugly band aid goes on

i walk out the door

leaving behind my fear