This is so beautiful. I love how your composition notes are as poetic as the poem itself. And I was moved by your reflection, "I felt a fierce joy in my body getting used up in the work of motherhood. It was so much more satisfying than trying to preserve or beautify it." This echoes John 12:24. "I tell you the solemn truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains a single kernel; but if it dies it produces a great harvest."
Reading this poem aloud this morning compared to trying to read it before bed, when I am half awake, is like viewing a beautiful piece of artwork where important visuals have been punched out. I have learned my lesson to just avoid reading late at night, because what I thought was good last night was tremendously good this morning. Alright, that was a weird side note and mainly for myself, but this poem had me in tears. I whispered it aloud, in my studio, between sips of coffee.
You reminded me of all the similar joys I've experienced through motherhood, but you also expanded in me, another level of what a mother is. When I read ezer, warrior, that seemed to be an untapped vein, a reminder. He fights for me, I fight for them, through prayer, through the mundane, through the meal prep. I needed this poem. Still in tears. I love it so much. What a way to be ushered into Mother's Day.
Lauren, you are such a generous and kind reader. Thank you for the gift of your attention. I'm so grateful we get to be on this journey as mothers and writers together. You are a blessing, friend!
This is so beautiful. I love how your composition notes are as poetic as the poem itself. And I was moved by your reflection, "I felt a fierce joy in my body getting used up in the work of motherhood. It was so much more satisfying than trying to preserve or beautify it." This echoes John 12:24. "I tell you the solemn truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains a single kernel; but if it dies it produces a great harvest."
Reading this poem aloud this morning compared to trying to read it before bed, when I am half awake, is like viewing a beautiful piece of artwork where important visuals have been punched out. I have learned my lesson to just avoid reading late at night, because what I thought was good last night was tremendously good this morning. Alright, that was a weird side note and mainly for myself, but this poem had me in tears. I whispered it aloud, in my studio, between sips of coffee.
You reminded me of all the similar joys I've experienced through motherhood, but you also expanded in me, another level of what a mother is. When I read ezer, warrior, that seemed to be an untapped vein, a reminder. He fights for me, I fight for them, through prayer, through the mundane, through the meal prep. I needed this poem. Still in tears. I love it so much. What a way to be ushered into Mother's Day.
Lauren, you are such a generous and kind reader. Thank you for the gift of your attention. I'm so grateful we get to be on this journey as mothers and writers together. You are a blessing, friend!
I am so grateful for you!!!