Hello you!
I wrote the following poem a few months back after joining a poetry writing group for mums. Since the beginning of this pandemic (when I started writing poetry) most of my poetry was written about Covid and nature.
When I started writing about motherhood, it made me think of the changes you go through when becoming a parent; but also the pure joy and unconditional love that you have for your children.
Parenting is hard, it’s rewarding, full of surprises and it’s a pick and mix of emotions: and throwing a pandemic on top of it all? Well. But the laughs from your little people, their little funny ways tugs at those heart strings like nothing else. And you would do ANYTHING for them..
I often sit back and watch my 4 and 2 year old girls playing, to absorb those precious, precious moments that flash by in an absolute heartbeat! Savoring those little moments, that you will never get back. Hugging them to pieces: without the rushing about and before they tell you to ‘get off’.
If I’ve learned anything, it’s to stop trying to be a perfect parent (that’s impossible) and to enjoy every moment. Doing the best you can is the very best you can ever do.
Poem:
Reminders
I often look at the bride beaming down
from the canvas photo –
two stone lighter, a wife,
running enthusiast: not yet a mummy.
I often look at my tummy; it sits like a bag of wheat,
my thighs dimpled like an orange.
I often look at my ashen roots,
reflecting every bit of my years.
I often look at how I indulge in chocolate,
A withered flower blowing with those gales
The beaming bride? Two stone lighter,
but gaining two of the most
precious gifts to run after.
My bag of wheat? Two beautiful little cakes were created.
My ashen roots? Life doesn’t stand still
and there’s no cheating that
(a trip to the hairdressers does pretty well!).
My chocolate craving?
A tired mummy, lockdown mummy, craves that chocolate:
In a lower gear –
while sipping that obligatory glass of gin & tonic.
Reminders of life. A wife.
A mummy. Lockdown
and my birthing tummy.
So here’s a toast to you as a parent, the juggling act that goes along with it and YOU are enough.
Have a beautiful day, savouring those moments with your little blossoms and also being kind to yourself throughout the process.
Bernie Egerton Mindset Coaching 