Labour of love
I was afraid of the pain.
But I knew I would gain
a reward,
if I managed to do it.
I had to get through it.
Your eyes filled with tears
and I thought of the years
we had tried.
I drew strength from
your nearness.
But even you were not
fearless.
I could feel your hands shaking
while my body was making
its ultimate effort.
And then… she was there!
No longer a pair,
but a family of three.
I was afraid of the pain,
but your love sustained
my courage.
“Being at home can be fun, insulating, relaxed, boring or isolating ... depending on how the day is going.”*
School holidays are almost over in my part of the world – six long weeks of noise and squabbling balanced by hot, lazy days at the beach or the pool with lots of daring exploits and laughter. Many of our days were spent at home, basking in simple pleasures like baking, playing games or outdoor pursuits – trying to relax the everyday routines of school-morning bustle and ‘having to be somewhere on time’. However pleasant, I must admit to being relieved that life gets back to normal next week, and I can reclaim some of my own time for writing again!
* From Being Mummy by Anne‑marie Taplin published April 2007