April is STD Awareness Month and National Poetry Month. In honor of that, I offer the following. You’re welcome.

‘Tis the month to discuss STDs

And a new campaign with the CDC

To stay safe and healthy

Even if you’re not wealthy

You should learn how to Talk Test and Treat.

Talking can seem hard to do

With someone you’re trying to woo

But the air should be clear

About with whom you’ve been near

Or you might end up with something new.

STDs are sneaky at best

You can’t always tell where they rest

Inside or out

Around and about

The only sure way to know is to test.

A test won’t admit your defeat

In fact, you may gain some relief

Whether knowing you’re clean

Or you’ve caught a virus that’s mean

It’s important to know when to treat.

Remember: if you fool around

Viruses and bacteria abound

And a few parasites

Can give you a fright

So practice safer sex.

It’s important, OK? Talk to your partner(s). Get tested. Follow any treatment prescribed. Wear a condom. And repeat this process every three to six months.

For more information, go to www.cdc.gov/features/stdawareness. To find out where to get tested locally, enter your ZIP code at gettested.cdc.gov to find a site near you.

Amy Johnson, MSW, is a Trainer and Educator in the Pacific Northwest. She is co-author of the books, “Parenting by Strengths: A Parent’s Guide for Challenging Situations” and “Homegrown Faith and Justice.” Amy facilitates classes and workshops in the Puget Sound area and online. She specializes in working with parents and in sexuality education, and she serves in the national setting of the United Church of Christ promoting safe and healthy sexuality education and culture in faith communities. Amy can be reached at comments@diligentjoy.com.