The comfort of warm waters
surrounds me with calm purpose.
I am lost, but unafraid
in this land locked sea
teaming with the salt of life.
I am the eternal swimmer
in tireless motion, without end.
With every stroke of my arms
and graceful kick of my feet
my body grows stronger
to match the increasing size
of what I’ve yet to become.
Curious is the sky above me.
A translucent curtain in motion
displaying shapes and figures
unknown shadows, to my mind.
As if it was only yesterday
so big was the sea I swam
and so small I was upon it.
Gone is the contentment
that served me as I grew
but now have outgrown.
Curiosity ever pulling
I reach for the boundaries
of safety and security
in a world, now too small.
In the depths of this world
on the fertile bed of my sea
the bottom falls out
and is torn asunder.
I am flushed from my world
into the light of another.
As my soul is carried in
with the first breath of life
I exhale with my first cry
and the tears of being born.
Author notes
Photographer: Anne Geddes of Australia ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When does a baby become self aware? I believe the first synapsis firing into a virgin neural pathway is the first moment of awareness! This poem explores the thoughts and experience's of the baby from the moment it becomes self aware, up until a few moments after birth. AKA-The most intimate of bonding that can be realized, from one human being to another!
OPTION 1
tell me where babies come from
In a list
A contest entry
- the journey of growing up... by little-hug.
777 points, ended March 8, 2008, 8 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Over The Moon With Baby News. by Poetryintheblood.
450 points, ended June 21, 2008, 5 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Parenthood And All The Excitement by gothicchildren05.
960 points, ended July 13, 2008, 22 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Pregnancy/Babies! by Shadow-Addict.
450 points, ended October 10, 2008, 18 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Baby on the Way!!! by JustFallingApart.
300 points, ended October 13, 2008, 14 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Imagery by owlish.
900 points, ended September 25, 2008, 21 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Virtual Baby Shower! by HopeForUnity.
470 points, ended January 15, 7 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Last Contest From Me, And Please Welcome Someone Special. by Poetryintheblood.
700 points, ended December 26, 2008, 10 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - The river of life by Angelo di Luce.
430 points, ended February 27, 25 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Winklings # 175 for Winklers and AP friends. by Lyndon.
1750 points, ended April 28, 9 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - The Miracle of Life by SternBlinkin.
900 points, ended July 14, 9 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - baby-poems for catherine ♥ by Immortal Obscurity.
3550 points, ended September 15, 31 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - No Rhyme!! by Diminished Capacity.
700 points, ended August 9, 32 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Tell me the meaning or story behind your best poems. by Tqop.
700 points, ended October 5, 16 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - I ain't real picky about what I like... by Peripatetic.
1500 points, ended October 15, 15 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Can you cheer me up? by Forgotten Lilith.
406 points, ended November 7, 90 entries
• next poem in this contest, • Add to finalists list, or remove from contest - Prewritten Poems of Perfection by Michael-B.
750 points, ends November 26, 98 entries
• next poem in this contest, • Add to finalists list, or remove from contest - My Favorites list by pineapple-eyes.
500 points, ends November 28, 12 entries
• next poem in this contest, • Add to finalists list, or remove from contest
Comments
1 - 78 of 78
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Such a beautiful poem penned for the reader, yet if I think to much I am sad. Well done to you.
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Lovely Poem
However as one of the catergories attached to it is contest it gave it away that it was written specifically for a contest. Namely "the journey of growing up... by little-hug." therefore it will not be accepted in my contest. The poem however is very beautiful and gives a lot of food for thought, I think that it is well written and nurtures the idea of a baby entering the world very well. Feel free to enter a different poem.
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Oh my! You have plenty of comments which I am sure are full of superlatives to describe this poem. For me this is one of the more compelling poems it has been my pleasure to read. Though it is contemplative, it moves forward with a sense of suspense, and the climax is a wonderful release of the intellectual and emotional tension of its first person narrative.
This poem generates in me the reaction that I am sure many hope for when reading poetry: a sense of moments well spent in intellectual and emotional excitement and pleasure.
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I think this is an excellent piece!
I am a FIRM believer that life begins at the very moment of conception and you convey this well!
Congratulations on all those trophies and many blessings to you!!! -
So very poignantly done ... .
Bravo Sir bravo.
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I'm priveledged to have read this. Wow! I'm still stunned. You probably think I'm crazy.
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Everyone must love you! Take a bow! Be proud of yourself. You've won so many trophy's. I can see why. You're poem was beautiful. I loved your explanation. I've never been pregnant, but as a young adult with the prospect of getting married I loved reading this. The picture was gorgeous. Ah, I could go on forever. Hehe.
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This is a simply beautiful poem, the imagery is fantastic. I like the concept and must agree with what you said in the A/N. The picture fits very well and all the trophies are testimony to how good this is. Thank you for entering my contest and good luck.
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thoughtful
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All the trophies show what great appeal this poem has. I love the imagery as well as the spiritual tone that could apply to all of life as well as to a new birth for we are constantly changing and growing. Good luck in the contest.
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a superb read that really takes the reader on a journey to the miracle of birth ...an excellent read dear poet
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This poem deserved all the awards. Thinking about my childhood I can remember certain things that now I realize is an awareness of my surroundings or my own powerful self being. And those were happy moments, and so thanks for the write, it was very thoughtful and well written.
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Nice imagery!
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Beautiful!
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pleanty of emotion in this i enjoyed the read
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Simply stunning ... a beautiful piece to read this morning
Be well
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"I am the eternal swimmer
in tireless motion, without end."
I love these lines... I'm going to use them in one of my contests... see what the poets can come up with.
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Great!
Nice poem, I like this a lot, it has a lovely form and it has a great flow and meaning to it, great work.
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you say so much in this delightful poem..it's quite beautiful in form and content.its has honesty, intensity, passion and compassion...a really great poem and with each read its beauty grows....well done and thanks
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G-R-E-A-T
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Fan-freakin-tastic
I swear, the more I stick with the website, the more I realize how many amazing poets there are in this world. This is such a beautiful poem, writing for once about coming into the world instead of leaving it is truly admirable, especially how you make every word flow so neatly into the next. I wouldn't change a thing about this poem. Great job!
With love,
Lady Necostella
Please feel free to look into one of my poems and crit.
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Good Luck!
Lovely poem. I find the subject a bit ick, but this is probably my immaturity! Well done for managing a more adult take than I ever could.
Good luck. -
This was an amazing write. You have wowed me to read it again and again.
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very revealing, Iv never agreed witrh the idea of life beginning at conception but this was intriguing
Good luck in the competition -
oh wow! this poem is amazing!!! I'm speachless. well, almost anyway. you have a great talent for poetry! keep it up, and good luck!
Alicia Lynn and Sophie Lynn
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Bandit Reading List!
Thank you so much for adding this poem to the reading list your participation is appreciated
The Poetic Bandits
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I enjoyed the unique perspective of this piece. What an imagination it must take to construct this from unknown areas. I would have been a bit more impressed had you taken that imagination and put it to work creating a new poem, but alas, I suppose if you know a poem works to win contests, why not enter it. Thanks for sharing and best of luck.
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You have just captured such a gentle beauty in this, I had a tear in my eye for my angels in this piece. Well done Congralations on your trophies
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You have captured the world we all know is there but never try to understand.
Your little seed knows his every moment and movement and where he is going.
even to the joining of the soul.
An awesome write.
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Definitely wonderful!
The author's notes helped me understand exactly what you were writing about. And I'd have to say i agree. you wrote this amazingly and I love it! the picture is nice as well.
Keep on writing - this was awesome! 
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Outstanding
I liked the way you empathised with the baby and made this poem so compelling to read. I especially liked the part where the baby first realises that it is getting too big for the womb and yet the way you describe this as a place of safety - a sanctuary. It would be interesting to know when babies do first gain consciousness - I would imagine it is while they are still in the womb. Congratulations on all the trophys this poem has won - this has obviously appealed to many people.
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Wow wow wow I can see why you won so many medals! This is so beautiful, passionate about how life begins! Fantastic imagery and the flow is inspiring! Awesome work x
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Wonderful
This poem explores the conscious thought and human growth in the embryonic stages up to the birth of a glorious child. A miracle indeed and you have gently captured the patient serenity of the process with thoughtful imagery. Well done my friend.
Dennis
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Beautiful
This is really beautiful, your imagery was different and really captured a lot of emotion. The beginning was very introspective as well, beautiful write.
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This is absolutely lovely, and that picture is exquisite! Cat and I are both huge fans of Anne Geddes too; there's an idae for the other half of her gift...
Thanks you for entering
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Bandits Reading list
A very well written poem about childbirth some nice imagery enhanced by the beautiful picture unusually
written from the Baby's perspective Well Done ! !
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Wow, this is really cool. All the wonder of the universe, and the beginning verses brings out the glory of what is around us. It is not until the ending stanzas you focus on the baby being born, it is very creative and a wonderful poem.
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::smiles:: I love it. the flow is natural. that peice is creative indeed. I love the fact that it is from the perspective from the child, the inside out, rather than the outside in which is what I would have done. It's great! I even learned teh mean of a new word asunder. very well written the the picture to top it all is beautiful.
there are just so many parts in your poem I love. embracing the unknown with tranquility and curiosity. it's just beauitfully written. I wouldn't change a thing.
Thank you for submitting!
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A very unique point of view, I never really thought about this subject before so was quite intrigued. Congrats on your numerous trophies for this well-done piece.
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This is a beautiful journey, touching and breath taking. So very nicely done. I read it again
K
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I will honestly say, I think this is the best thing I have ever read from you not only in depth, perception, and understanding, but technically as well.
I am so very very pleased you have shared this with The Blue Lamp. Excellent.
~Pamela 
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Thank you so much for your kind words Pamela. Comming from a poet as talented as you are, I'm sincerely flattered. Still Waters is one of my personal favorites. This was written about four and a half months after I had started writing non rhyme poetry. I'm really glad you enjoyed it.
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"I am the eternal swimmer
in tireless motion, without end."
A great poem, poet! That image too is remarkable. Wonderful work!
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Beautiful and full of rich, intense imagery. I loved it!
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In Utero ...
A beautiful poem of the imagined impossibility made real. "I am the eternal swimmer/ in tireless ocean" is a remarkable image.
Lyndon of the Winklings.
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As always, your poetry is so beautiful. Are you published? If not, you should be!
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Thank you so much for the wonderful comment. In answer to your question...
On June 1st eight other poets and myself are releasing a book of poetry. Fifteen of my poems including this one, will be published in this book.
We are the "US and LOA Book Project Group"
The title of the book is "The Inner Spirit"
Bill
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That's great! I will look for it.
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beautiful. I like the method they have now as an option to childbirth, and that is giving birth in warm water. Seems that the baby wouldn't go in to such shock ... the world is cold and harsh enough
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Hahaha I love it! Only when I read our author's note did the whole piece fall into place. I think it's really a wonderful piece, well thought out and beautifully written. I have only one thing to say to you! Congrats.. Welcome to round 2
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so sweet i love the picture at the top it made me say awe. thank you for entering and good luck in the contest
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so sweet i love the picture at the top it made me say awe. thank you for entering and good luck in the contest
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This is so sweet. I liked the word choices and the thoughts behind this poem. Excellent work. You've got 5 points for this poem. You've got a total of 77 points. Thanks for entering and best of luck to you. Kahy
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wow, this is VERY good, and I LOVE the picture!!! this is a really good poem! good luck! thanks for entering!
Alicia Lynn
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a very beautiful write good luck in the contestmaralisa
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What a beautiful write with a stunning picture to go with it. I love the thought that you put into this one. Congratulations to you on all of your trophies for this wonderful piece! I appreciate your entry and wish you all the best with it in my contest. Thank you again and take care!
Jeremy0826
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Indeed a well penned write
It is believed that the first breath imprisons the spirit into the body, and the last realises itWell done, thank you
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Thank you for your beautiful entry, good luck in my contest, Josie
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i really liked this. the picture was neat and it added depth to the piece. thanks for entering my contest and good luck! keep writing.
peace and love
b -
very interesting. wonder if I was thinking this before and as I was born into this world ? ?
Congrats on all the trophies and good luck in this contest
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Interesting take. i would myself like to know what I was thinking right before I was born. I like to think it was something like this.
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This is a wonderfully penned write!!! Fills me full of wonderment!
Peace and Love
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a very thought provoking write.
well done and best of luck
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wow that was amazing! i really loved this poem to hear the voice of a baby persona and how the feel and the descriptions wow mind blowing.
i really enjoyed reading this thankyou for entering
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Wow just love this topic and I just love this picture. So creative. So many ways you could have taken this picture prompt. I really do like the poem too. Thanks for sharing this wonderful write and thanks for entering it into my contest
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Wow
This is a great idea. I don't know when or if a child knows anything. I do know that my granddaughter remembers things from about 3 months and it is amazing to me! This is very nice, The Shaker
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this was such a wonderful write. You have such a way with words. I realy love this poem. good luck
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WOW!
Did NOT expect that when I opened this...!
Great write, a subject that I;m sure not many have broached in poetry.
Good work there!! -
ooooh, what a truly original idea to write a poem from the point of view of the unborn baby! This is beautiful, very well written.
"As my soul is carried in
With the first breath of life
I exhale with my first cry
And the tears of being born" - this last verse really touched me...
Well done!! Thank you for entering ths magical poem and good luck xx -
You did a good job writing this piece. Congrats on your trophies! best of luck in the open contests.
CrimsonViper (Midoriko) -
Atfirst I was a little iffy on what you were talking about... but once I read your little note at the bottom I understood completely what this poem was about.
It was very creative and the mental picture was very soothing after reading it a second time.
Good luck in the contest!
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thank you for entering
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congratulations on all of the trophies. This is nicely done although I had to read until the end to decipher what it was about. The prompt from the previous contest was a great help also. Thank you for the entry.
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this is a lovely piece. I love the image it portrays and the scenery and nature felt thoughts. lovely piece. thank you for entering and good luck.
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Thank you for your lovely entry, good luck in my contest, Josie
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wow, everyone should have the ability to write like you do^.^
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amazingly written and expressed poem good luck
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Incredible...So delicately and poetically written.
The flow is impecable. The imagery is eye-opening and very real. The language is breath-taking too...
Thank you so much for entering my contest Good luck!
Ellie
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