Pregnancy

By Prem

The thrill of entering someone's party

Is a gift of life I can never miss.

In you now lies a part of me,

Fighting through pain that will lead us to bliss.

The clock’s ticking, anxiety at every second,

I fight it with my head against your belly.

Lying on the bed, your hand in my hand,

Waiting for the white coat to appear daily.

The sound of little kicks is music to us,

My heartbeat matches its rhythm.

My trust is in His hands—I can’t do much;

I finally understand how you must’ve felt, Mum.

The big day’s here,

And I’m cooped up in fear,

Still trying to put up a facade.

The fruit of labor is near,

Suddenly, a shrill cry in my ear—

You push out a blessing in the name of God.

My mind once worried, now crystal clear,

Not that I’m under your charm 

My eyes are now streams full of tears,

Spilling over your small arms.

As I lift you up, it feels so light—yet my heart is so heavy.

Smiles scatter in the room, along with tears of glee.

The beauty of creation—in it, I see my own reflection,

Birth of a timeless bond; I’ll devote my life without hesitation.

I hope this boy exceeds me in every way.

My failures are your lessons; they’ll bring you success someday.

My child is my greatest possession.

By Prem