Life Cycling
First come the three little words
Then, “I’ll love you ‘til I die”
Vows to share a lifetime as one
Down the aisle into Real Street
Change begins to take hold
She feels faint over nothing
After a march to the drug store, she
Places calls to her doctor and OB
Family planning worked, a baby is on the way
To create life within is a special calling
She doesn’t mind the stringy stretch marks
Nor the RR train to La Maze classes
in order to master the art of patience and breath
while bringing new life into the light
© 2013 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
I remember being pregnant with Riley. Ask women who’s ever been pregnant, and they’ll probably say they felt like the most powerful person in the world. Submerged, cradled within, this growing child… I am getting misty because my girlfriend and bandmate Karen’s daughter Amanda is in hospital just now, dilating and all that good stuff.
Riley is the best thing I ever did. Not just giving birth, but raising her, watching her tap out complicated drumbeats from the age of four; seeing her first pictures – and for years to come, finding manga characters scribbled on the margins of homework. Startlingly smart, easy to be with, and wicked talented… she’s a force to be reckoned with, and, as you can see by this photo shoot (body painting, not tattoos), she’s gorgeous. Love you, Riles. Mom
For the Sunday Whirl, the wordle can be found HERE. Check out the other poets as well! Peace and soda crackers for the first trimester (!), Amy
Mar 18, 2013 @ 02:09:05
The summary of motherhood: as you say, a powerful time. Well wordled.
Mar 18, 2013 @ 05:52:28
She is absolutely beautiful! It’s funny how motherhood can make you totally different person. My oldest daughter 17. She made me want to change for the better.
Mar 18, 2013 @ 06:14:09
Who’d have known that little wordles grew in this piece!
Mar 18, 2013 @ 06:20:12
I realized many years ago how wonderful it must be to be a woman. Man is but a drone compared with to creative joy that comes with being a mother. (Let me tell you a secret; I loved kissing my wife’s stretch marks as they showed how clever she was.)
Mar 18, 2013 @ 06:40:17
This indeed shares the power and strength of womanhood.
Mar 18, 2013 @ 06:41:41
I hadn’t realized either that this came from a wordle. Nicely done, Amy. I do think there is nothing like being a mother. And you definitely have good reason to be proud of your daughter!
Mar 18, 2013 @ 09:09:09
Beautiful daughter. I bet she gets her strength and poise from her Mom.
Mar 18, 2013 @ 12:22:34
I know exactly how you feel. My three children awe me.
Mar 18, 2013 @ 12:23:30
Riley’s the greatest! Love this poem, and the note that follows. Beautiful, kiddo!
Mar 18, 2013 @ 16:29:50
You are so right Mama Amy! Having a baby is one of the most amazing things–a true miracle. Lovely write and beautiful daughter
Mar 18, 2013 @ 17:35:25
This is beautiful! I have three daughters who mean the world to me and come July I will be welcoming my first grandchild.
Mar 18, 2013 @ 18:23:36
Thank you for sharing your love for Riley with us. Thyra is the best thing I’ve ever done. My pregnancy was high risk, and frightening. The light that burst forth in the world with her arrival still shocks me with its glow. This piece rocks, Amy!!
Mar 18, 2013 @ 22:07:55
Beautiful words… even more beautiful daughter, she comes by that naturally! She sounds like a wonderful blessing, another light in the world. Your love as her mother shines in every word! Motherhood is indeed an amazing thing!
Mar 18, 2013 @ 23:09:03
A tender and heartful expression. I can feel the love in your words. And your poem wasn’t bad either, Amy. Thanks for this. Peace and soda crackers? Works for me!
Mar 18, 2013 @ 23:49:07
Love it, Amelita. A life affirming poem. I was only 21 when I had Melissa and I was amazed by her then and still am. Thanks for this. Love having you at the whirl.
Pamela
Mar 18, 2013 @ 23:50:34
She is a beauty, Amy! I’ll bet you two get along like mom and me.
Mar 19, 2013 @ 05:42:31
I love the way people come up with totally different slant on these prompts. Beautifully done.
Mar 19, 2013 @ 13:01:40
A poem from your heart to hers, Amy, and I’m sure Riley will never forget it.
Lovely!
K
Mar 19, 2013 @ 14:13:27
A beautiful tribute from one (reason to be) proud Mama! Loved how you described the changes. – Mosk
Mar 19, 2013 @ 21:05:44
I loved being pregnant. Enjoyed your poem.
Mar 19, 2013 @ 23:06:28
Amy, long time, it seems. I would have not made a good woman, much LESS, mother. There is that certain “mother’s grace”, with which God has endowed motherhood and mothers.
So, God bless YOU, and all mothers. Now, what will I write when Mother’s Day is upon us? Take care.
PEACE!
Mar 20, 2013 @ 08:54:02
She is beautiful and so are you!
This poem gave me a warm embrace and memories of those special days~
Thank you Amy!
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