POEM: Childbirth

I want to be your mother. 

Your father and I love each other, 

And we’re anxiously waiting for the wonderful news. 

Finally, an angel tells me what I wish to hear. 

You will come into my life, 

And I will be your mother. 

A new life grows in me. 

I hear your first heartbeat. 

Two hearts beating in unison, 

Mother and son. 

And then you are here. 

I feel a sharp pain. 

Like a thousand knives stabbing me. 

I scream. 

But screaming is good, 

And I am grateful for screaming, 

Because it pulls me through the pain, 

And I bravely take it. 

It’s worth all the pain just to have you here. 

And now you are in my arms, 

And I am so blessed to meet you. 

child, my most cherished treasure. 

I cry, but it’s a happy cry. 

The pain still stabs me with a thousand knives, 

But I don’t feel it anymore. 

I hold you in my arms and close to my heart. 

The most beautiful baby in the world. 

I feel complete. 

I love you and I will always be there for you.

2009

From my book of poetry Sunset in Toronto, page 28.