When I Bleed: Poems about Endometriosis

by Maggie Bowyer

Nearly 200 million people around the world have Endometriosis. It is as common as asthma or diabetes, but we never talk about it. Endometriosis causes full-body symptoms, and is as painful as labor or a heart attack; in fact, it is one of the top 20 most painful conditions a person can experience (NHS, 2018). 1 in 9 people assigned female at birth live with this chronic illness (Endometriosis Australia, 2020). Endometriosis affects unknown numbers of non-binary and trans people. Despite often debilitating symptoms, it takes an average of 11 years to get an Endometriosis diagnosis in America. Maggie waited 11 years to get a diagnosis despite being hospitalized for the excruciating pain as early as middle school. Words can be a life raft in the depths of destroyed health. These poems depict Endometriosis as accurately as possible. These poems explain the full-body, whole life, physical and mental toll this illness takes. These poems exemplify what Endometriosis has taken away from millions of us; it also shines a light on the amazing community of warriors who keep fighting every single day.

Genres: Poetry, Health, Disability, Medical, Ebooks

118 pages, Paperback

Published May 18, 2021

About the author

Maggie Bowyer (they/them/theirs) is a poet, cat parent, and the author of various poetry collections including Allergies (2023) and When I Bleed (2021). They are an essayist focusing on Endometriosis, chronic pain, and trauma. They have been featured in The Abbey Review, Chapter House Journal, The Elevation Review, The South Dakota Review, Wishbone Words, and more. They were the Editor-in-Chief of The Lariat Newspaper, a quarter-finalist in Brave New Voices 2016, and a Marilyn Miller Poet Laureate. You can find their work on Instagram and TikTok @maggie.writes.

Reviews

[Tabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming from someone who was diagnosed at a young age and felt alone in dealing with endometriosis, I'm happy to see us band together. This book hit my anxieties and fears, explaining them better than I can myself. It brought tears to my eyes. I'm sorry for anyone that goes through this daily as I do, but just remember your not alone. And that we can try to help relieve some of the pain.

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am sorry,
To my unborn baby,
That we could
Never meet.
I promise,
It's less painful
This way."

"My body started training
For a marathon
10 yeas ago,
And quite literally
Hasn't stopped running since."

I felt this book in my constantly-churning guts, in the hollow space where my uterus used to be, and so deeply in my soul. My copy is dog-eared, underlined, and annotated. This collection is perfection, giving words to the pain.

Recommended for anyone who lives with endometriosis and for the people who love them and want to know what its like, if even just for a page.

"Tiny little scars born of battles
Still being fought beneath them."

((trigger warnings))

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many gorgeous poems in this little book. The imagery is visceral and relatable for others who live with endometriosis and similar conditions. I really enjoyed the sense of validation that each poem provided. This is one I'll come back to so I can sit with my favorite poems on bad days.

[Citri · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It is impossible to recall a time when my body was not home to this relentless pain"

Wow. This book was incredible. I am so sorry to the author that she suffers from these debilitating symptoms yet I am glad to have validation in reading every single poem. Some of them were kicks to the heart, I could identify with them so much. Definitely a must read if you are struggling with endometriosis or honestly any pelvic or menstrual issue.

"I am so much more
Than the fire I stand in"

Going to try to remember this daily. It is a revolution that we survive. A huge thank you to the author for being so compassionate.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars !!

beautiful and evocative writing - putting into words something that is rarely spoken about and in such a heartfelt lyrical way

[Pao Vilchis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the opinions are my own and this did not affect my review in any way.

“Thank you for loving me when I am bleeding”

When I was approached by the author to read and review this collection I jumped at the idea right away. Reading and health care are my two greatest passions so I was very intrigued to read and review this collection. Endometriosis is an often painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus.

When I Bleed in a poetry collection in which the poems depict Endometriosis as accurately as possible. These poems explain the full-body, whole life, physical and mental toll this illness takes and the author uses this collection to tell us her experience living with this condition.

This poetry collection is one of the best ones I have ever read, the writing style is not only beautiful and impactful, the emotions the author portrays are so raw, heartbreaking and honest. I don’t suffer from endometriosis, however I was able to deeply empathize with the author and her story.

I was really moved by this collection, each poem made me feel something and I was truly blown away by the depth and writing of each poem, each word served a purpose and I was very quickly emotionally invested in it. I am confident that if I was so moved by this collection without suffering from endometriosis I can only begin to imagine how someone who suffers from this condition will feel.

I am truly grateful the author decided to share her story, to share what it is like to have a condition that not many people are familiar with. I truly recommend that everyone should read this collection even if you don’t have endometriosis, everyone in my opinion, can learn something from this book.

Thank you Maggie Bowyer for allowing me to read and review this outstanding, heartfelt and emotional collection.

“I miss you, but more so I miss who I could’ve been if this disease wasn’t wrecking me”

[Manon (bookswithonno) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is only a small collection, it includes beautiful writing and many honest, raw and touching poems. I think this little book must be so relatable for people who struggle with Endometriosis, and will make them feel seen and understood. I regret having to say that I was sadly one of many who didn’t even know that Endometriosis exists. If you recognise yourself in this, or know very little about this illness, please consider reading this collection. It will only take up an hour of your time, but it is so worth it! I think it is very important to spread awareness on this illness so that hopefully, one day, people don’t have to wait 11 years for a diagnosis. 4.5/5 stars

Thank you to the author for sharing their story, and thank you for providing me with an e-arc of this heartfelt collection. This didn’t affect the honesty of my review in any way.

[Cintya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie's experiences with endometriosis seem to be similar to the ones I had/have, so I felt understood and listened to reading the book. Some of the poems felt like I was the one writing them and went straight to my heart.

It's painful but also a relief finding someone else's experience similar to you (especially when you are going through bad months with your illness) that can put words to the pain and solitude you might be feeling.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of poetry was moving and relatable, particularly to anyone suffering from endometriosis.

Many of the poems felt like a hug, like a whispered “you are not alone with this pain”.

The author did a fantastic job.

4/5 stars, read via Kindle e-book.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who lives with endometriosis, these poems hit the center of my heart. It’s like Maggie wrote out my experiences, it gave me chills.

[Grant Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for those who are close to an endo-warrior!

[Ben Ditmars · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I Bleed by Maggie Bowyer is a poetry collection about the author’s struggle with a brutal disease called endometriosis. It affects every aspect of the author’s way and yet is almost invisible. I fell hard for this book partially because of my own struggles with chronic illness. Partially because of my wife and I’s own struggles with fertility. It is emotional, eloquent and so important for you to read.

[Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of these poems actually have very little to do with endometriosis. The ones that do are more frequently about infertility than they are about pain.

The poems themselves are just okay and the book's formatting isn't great.

The end of the book contains and endometriosis "fact sheet" that contains SOME good information but also contains completely inaccurate and/or misleading information about multiple forms of endometriosis treatment.

[Kelsie Oreta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quick read made me feel less alone than I have in months. An invisible disease is no joke-it’s painful, it’s isolating, it’s crazy making. The more that people with uteruses talk about the issues we have with our uteruses is the greatest gift we can give one another. We need more research on this disease, and if people are too ashamed to talk about what’s going on in their bodies, we’ll never get a cure for this debilitating fatigue and pain.

[Savannah Crews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vulnerable and beautiful collection of poems from an incredible author. Such a brave testament for those living with Endometriosis and chronic pain. I know this book will help so many to feel seen and understood in a world that seeks to ignore and belittle their stories. This is a must read, especially for those supporting loved ones with Endo!

[Sarah Scrimgour · Rating 5 out of 5]

1000% reccomend such a great book if you or someone you know is suffering from endometriosis

[X · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sfo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I’ve read this collection about ten times now! It’s a quick read, but a profound one. Maggie’s poetry is deeply moving, and reading it feels like they’re sitting right next to you saying, “You’re not alone.”

The experience of chronic illness is often so difficult to put into words, and yet Maggie does so beautifully. They understand the feelings of being at war with your own body, of others not believing your pain, and of having to fight in secret just to function on high-symptom days. “I will not let myself / Disappear into the pain,” Maggie writes, as they acknowledge that simply existing with a condition so life-altering is an accomplishment worth celebrating.

Maggie’s poems address difficult topics that are sadly universal for chronically ill folks, such as pain, ableism, medical trauma, loss, and grief. Each time I read it, I uncover some new message that I needed to hear.

Whether or not you are chronically ill, you will certainly feel a connection to one of the universal messages woven in throughout Maggie’s poetry. As a chronically ill person myself, this collection is officially one of my go-to reads. One of my favorite lines is now a regular mantra I think to myself when I need that extra reminder:

“This body is a miracle, / Pushing through pulsating, / Pounding pain / To survive every day.”

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This did not impact my rating or review.**

[Georgia Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully constructed and devastating portrayal of what endometriosis can do to the body, person and their life. This offers a personal reflection as much as it does a thorough dissection of the far reaches of the disease and all the threads, memories and moments that are attached to it - some visible, many not. When I Bleed is a powerful and moving piece of work that will be a safe haven for anyone grappling with the reality of this disease - and for the people who love them most and deeply want to try and understand.

[Laura Zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Note: I received a free copy as part of a giveaway. Though all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am a woman. And even though I don't have it as bad as someone with endometriosis I can still vividly remember all the times I've doubled over in pain from cramps.

This was a powerful collection of poetry in a small package. I could feel the pain and sadness radiating off each line in every poem. The loss and hopelessness that the disease carries with it.

I highly recommend that anyone with a uterus read this book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never knew endometriosis could be put into words, but in the skilled hands of a talented writer... it happened. If you have endometriosis, read this. Know that you are not alone. If someone you know has endometriosis, read this. It will help you better understand. Maggie did an incredible job highlighting the highs, and bringing the very real lows into perspective. There is sadness and grief, and a little hope. There is isolation and unknowing, as well as love and understanding. Maggie captures it all.

[Jéssica Pedro · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My body started training / For a marathon / 10 yeas ago, And quite literally / Hasn't stopped running since."

"Tiny little scars born of battles / Still being fought beneath them."

"My body is fighting / this disease, / not me."

Having endometriosis (and adenomyosis) is a daily battle. Some of these poems were really hard to read - as they hit so close to home - however they've made me feel understood. These diseases are not pretty, so this book is far from pretty. But it's raw and it's sadly beautiful.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie has an amazing ability to put into words the emotions and pain that are so difficult to describe when it comes to endo. I feel so seen - thank you. It's definitely a book you can come back to again and again. Sometimes I just flip open to a random poem and read it when I'm in need of support.

[Jenn Kause · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to convey life with a chronic illness, especially endometriosis.

To say this author could convey it all was an understatement. So much was so validating and affirming.

I’m glad they could touch on the negative, the pain, but also the positive hope and strength/resilience we have. May we still persist into that dark night and come out renewed ♥️

[mer jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

as a queer person with endometriosis and a history of genetic health issues and medical trauma, these poems hit so hard and are so beautiful to read. i'm so glad to see that i'm not alone, especially when chronic illness are so isolating <333

[Julia Drury Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like finding a friend somewhere out there who understands. Reminded me how mad I am at this disease, but that there are many of us experiencing the same hell and groping in the dark toward the same remedies.

[jeannette ⋆ ੈ✩‧₊˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful and heartfelt. i was very grateful to receive a free digital copy via a storygraph giveaway.

[Jade Edge · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I cannot keep hiding that this disability is breaking me, bone by bone."

Maggie's short collection is poignant; honest; and relatable to anyone with a chronic condition, not just endometriosis. I too suffer from endometriosis and found myself countless times within the pages of poetry. I am thankful that Maggie has shared their experiences for all to read and find that in having read this book, it reaffirms the fact that we Endo Warriors are not alone.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who lives with endometriosis, this book made me feel heard. Maggie Bowyer's writing captures what it feels like to have your body work against you and I'm so grateful for more conversations surrounding women's health. I highlighted the hell out of this book, which I rarely do! Some quotes that stood out to me:
"I miss who I could've been if this disease wasn't wrecking me."
"I feel like I'm in an abusive relationship with my body; No one can see the bruises."

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was recently officially diagnosed but like Maggie, loved with the pain for years. They mentioned wanting the readers living with the condition to feel understood, and I did. I saw so much of myself in many of the lines throughout the book, and I have to recommend to anyone else living with the condition or perhaps supporting a loved one with their diagnosis.