I, frightened
wearily straining my child-woman’s body
against or for you
(I knew not which)
brought you forth.
I was surprised
at the warm, wet mass that was you
and marveled at your smallness
at your aliveness on your own
as you were severed from me.
And now
on this celebration of our birth day
I humbly acknowledge
the woman you’ve become.
I marvel at our alikeness
and our unsameness
and your aliveness on your own.
From me you came
and my soul will never cease
its watchful inclination toward you.
From me you came
and from that first
stirring deep within me
there was spawned
a womb-deep love
that defies distance
and knows not
severance.
by nanci lee woody