For Riley on her 25th
Always with me
remnants of her
Reminders of
life-giving days,
of nurture and
fragile forgiveness
Front and center,
my fanny pack just
below the skin:
My pooch…
The pouch where
she spent her first
nine months on earth
Not a battle scar;
rather, a souvenir of
motherhood and miracles
© 2013 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Yep, she’s halfway to antique, she’s talented as hell, and she’s her own dog. Riley is showing her art now, working with her Salon (a group of students from her art institute), and making friends as well as network connections.
In other words, she is her own woman, and we couldn’t be prouder! When I heard Peggy Goetz at Imaginary Garden With Real Toads wanted poems about things we carry, I could not think of a better way of celebrating Riley’s birthday.
Peace, and thanks to all for sticking with me during my recent dry spell, caused by depression. My poetic community was so supportive, this is my way of saying “all’s well.” Amy
Sharp Little Pencil 
El Guapo
Fantastic response to the prompt!
Happy birthday, Riley!!!
And glad you’re feeling better and have come through to the brighter side.
ihatepoetry
What a lovely tribute! Halfway to antique? That mean’s I turn antique 3 weeks from today! Glad you’re back, wayward poetess! Love Mosk
ihatepoetry
BTW Congrats, Mom! You did a hell of a job! 🙂
Lance
excellent prompt response.
Happy Birthday to her! Mine’s on the 10th of this month. I’m older than 25…a lot older
McGuffy Ann
A wonderful gift & celebration all in one. Thank you for sharing such a special, intimate thing with us. I am glad you are feeling better. I think many of us understand how those dark moments can dictate or control us. Peace.
kaykuala
How nice, Amelita! A bundle of joy is joy much more when they’ve grown up. They would surprise us totally on what the could achieve. Happy Birthday to the young lady (you’ve a great Mom, girl, don’t say I didn’t tell you!) Nicely Ma’am!
Hank
brian miller
a souvenier of motherhood…i love how you put that…smiles…def a beautiful tribute to your riley…and i am glad to see you writing again…smiles….hope she has a great birthday
Mary
What a sweet poem, Amy. You have good reason to be proud. Wishing Riley all the best.
Mary
P.S. Really nice to see you back….
oldegg
So good to see you blogging again with such a significant post of those “life giving days”.
http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com
Happy birthday to Riley. Carrying babies must be about the best thing we females ever do.
Roger Green
Happy birthday, Riley!
Kerry O'Connor
This is a very special poem, especially as my youngest turned 18 yesterday.
Helen
Riley is a lucky lady to have you for a mom ….
Sherry Blue Sky
Happy birthday to your beautiful girl. I LOVE your poem, and the “pooch” of motherhood, truly your “souvenir of motherhood and miracles”. Riley has a very loving mom!!!! So happy to hear she is so successfully pursuing her art.
Sara v
Hi Amy, congratulations on your wonderful baby. Nice to have you back. Happy Birthday to Riley 🙂
I HAVE A VOICE
wonderfully engaging Amy!
Lisa A.Williams
Happy Birthday to Riley! What a wonderful poem about motherhood, so nice to read your work again.
J Cosmo Newbery
That’s really sweet. Nicely conceived (!) and written.
margaretbednar
If one can fall into a poem, if one can feel a poem from the inside… then I did. Stunning, beautiful.
cheap paper
I like this poem – it’s filled up with beautiful words! To tell the truth, your poetry makes me crazy:) You’re a great blogger! Wishing you to keep up the greatest work!