A Mother's Gifts, part 2

A Mother's Gifts

Part 2

The first is the largest of the three. It is golden.

It is the gift of Life.

Behold, the gift ...

I am but a speck, and my earthly existence has just begun.

A moment ago, I didn’t exist at all.

Now I am a single cell. I am a zygote—and the process is underway.

Moments become days as, hidden and protected, in this warm and special place, I’m growing.

Soon I have arms, legs, a tiny beating heart.

The growing continues, and then one day, at the appointed hour, ready to leave warmth and security behind, I transition to a sudden shock of cold.

What is THIS? My lungs begin their work as, naked and distressed, I protest the discomfort.

Soon, though, discomfort ends. I am wrapped, and warm once again.

The ordeal is nearly over. I’m here.

And all at once, so tired.

So I sleep.