The Essence of My Womanhood

09 Mar The Essence of My Womanhood

A poem in celebration of International Women’s Day ~ published in Middle-Pause

I began as a genderless soul - 
a point of light that yearned, 
from its moment of creation, 
to return to its Creator.

I was given a fertilized egg to care for,
to protect and cheer for,
to accompany
for an unknown stretch of earth-time.

I was adorned with the attributes of God, 
instructed to nurture them, 
use them to guide my companion-body 
through its life of darkness and light.

I watched as my body grew a uterus, 
as female hormones flooded its unformed brain 
and bubbled through its tiny network of
electrical circuits and fluid-filled tubes.

I didn’t yet know what this would mean.

I saw my companion thrust squalling from her soft warm womb-home
into the hard cold glare of the world she would travel.
Afraid.
Confused.

I hovered above her head, 
squeezed into her belly, 
hummed a sweet melody into her ear.
“I’m here,” I sang. “We’ll be fine.”

“It’s a girl,” said the doctor.

“It’s a girl,” sighed the mother. “Thank you God.”

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Photo by 愚木混株 cdd20 on Unsplash