Fashion

Poetry Online

Poet and editor Megan Merchant was diagnosed with type II Von Willebrand’s disease after years of having her symptoms ignored by the medical establishment. In the poem “Breakthrough Bleeding” and accompanying practice statement, Merchant investigates the disease and the consequences of feeling “shamed and unheard” in her pursuit of proper diagnosis and care.

"It took a Scolding by a Stranger to Awaken our Mindfulness."

We left that scene carrying a deeper understanding that our actions, no matter how seemingly inconsequential, have ripples and the power to either positively or negatively affect someone’s life. It’s easy to look at this mess of a world and think there is little that we can do to make it a better place, or that our everyday interactions are just a blur in a larger picture. They are not.