Imagine a nestled, tiny dimpled lump—glued in place
A dark, melodious, warmth-filled space
Having arrived and thrived there—after winning a race
A vacancy just for thee
Or—one or two (maybe three?)
With resplendent sounds; abundant night
There are muffled vibrations; out of sight
Through a tunnel above comes a food for this plight
Incrementally growing with this earliest fight
It will be about nine months before they see the light
Eventually come kicks and tugs and apparent punches
She shrieks in agony—then she hunches
With a grimaced face and desert-parched lips
Her heart thumps at her cracking hips
Ouch! She slouches against all advice
Hers’ is like the ultimate vice…
A ghastly sensation fills her mind!
They say, “control your breathing; everything will be fine”
Chewing on ice kind of works…but she’d rather an arm
Even with this intense pain—she does no harm
A “labor of love” it’s sometimes called
With her legs braced and sprawled
Her neck is raised high like the tension in the room
Her fists are clenched and her hair isn’t groomed
“One last push!” is what she hears
FINALLY, a cry, some quivering
AND this miracle sight vanquishes her fears
NOW, a missing ingredient emphasizes her care:
…a cup full of tears – Thank you, Mommy.
Author notes
This is dedicated to my mother foremost AND to mothers everywhere. Thank you for the pain you endured for us.
In a list
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 16 of 16
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This is Beautiful..
Thank you for this amazing write. It has been so long since a piece has actually brought tears to my eyes, and even longer since a piece has actually caused those tears to spill over. This is so amazing to me. I have to say that this is definitely in my top favorite writes of all time. This is a truly magnificent piece! Well done, Dear Poet, and Bravo!
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Thank you very much. I don't really know what to say to this...it is so moving the way you described your experience here. Thank you very much; wow...
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wonderful
It was so long ago and yet I still remember those beautiful first cries of my little ones. If only that labor was the easiest.The work of raising kids only gets harder and their tears more difficult to bear as you watch them fall,helpless to fix things.Still I will never know a more rewarding job.Congratulations on a wonderful write.
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Wow...
Spoken like a true mom, huh? I know of few blessing as great as a mother providing for a child or children with whatever she has of ingenuity, patience or whatever. You all are 'the great fixer-uppers' of broken stuff (plus preserving stuff against breaking...if you can). Thanks for this great review and for being a caring mother and soul.
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THIS POEM WAS GREAT. THOUGH I DIDNT HAVE THE SAME STRUGGLE BEARIN MY 3 ITS A BEAUTIFUL YET HARD EXPERIENCE BUT IN THE ITS AMAZING. A TRUE BLESSING FROM GOD. LOVE IT
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Thanks a million, I appreciate the read. Hey, what can I say? Not a women (just heard this experience from so many). Blessings. Blessings. Huh? I'm happy that you were feeling this one.
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Your words stir many memories in my heart and mind. And yes, I am crying too! Thank you
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Hmmmm...
Wow, thank you. Your comments and reaction are a happy suprise to me. I love my mom so much so and have extremely vivid memories of when my children were born I guess this poem represented a summation of how it all affected me (you know, from a man's point-of-view). I really am feeling appreciation for your kind words and am glad for any positive impact this had on you. You are very welcomed.
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Wow....this is something special! I can really appreciate this piece. I kinda' felt a little choked up as i paused thinking of my mother's face as she heard this! lol
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Choked up?
My nose was poked up to keep back the tears (lol) - not really...but I WAS feeling the range of emotions as this one came pouring out of my fingers and onto the keyboard. And I sent this to a couple of my co-workers (ladies - they were 'tearful') and to Rita (but she wanted to read it herself) - I emailed it to her daughter who got it to her - I'm waiting for her feedback. Your mother loved it (lol).
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AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... beautiful. I must thank my Mom... Again
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Thank you. My mother listened to me read this to her on Mother's Day and really liked it. Of course, for me it made it THAT MUCH MORE worthwhile. Most of us probably could never thank our mothers enough, huh?
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"With resplendent sounds; abundant night
There are muffled vibrations; out of sight
Through a tunnel above comes a food for this plight
Incrementally growing with this earliest fight
It will be about nine months before they see the light"
This is an astute penning, Poet...A very vivid & inherently truthful piece from the eyes of experience...I agree with Swangrnv; it does seem as though you have insight into the actual process of birth...I had a miscarriage in 1982; I cannot imagine anything more painful, although I know labor is much worse...however, the agony is waylaid by the beauty & the end result; a child to nurture, nourish & adore...For females everywhere, may I just say...Thank you for your heartfelt words, Poet... Wanda
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Heart-pounding...
Now, this just about the most unexpected reply. I witnessed child birth for the 1st time in 1990 and recorded it in my head (as if I intended to capture it in writing at a later time). And I have several sisters and I know about their experiences (in part). I'm an avid listener/observer. Thank you so much - this compliment coming from you is worth more than I could have counted on. I believe I'll copy it. AND, I'm sorry to hear about 1982...I have some (personal) memories about this too. You are all more than welcomed.
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2 thumbs up high...
you describe it as though u gave birth yourself kid!
Well Done !!
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Well, did I ever tell you about...
Just came to me this morning. I hoped that I would be able to bring together some ideas that those of us who can't relate to - might be able to relate to. You know what I mean? I'm glad you like it; show it to the lady in your life.
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