Infant stars in a nearby galaxy – Photo taken by Hubble Telescope. http://hubblesite.org/gallery/album/entire/pr2007004a/warn/
I thought I knew everything.
certain of what I would be doing –
this act of giving, a gift for the world.
I exuded confidence in my preparation,
all clearly proving the stars
were rightly aligned. Nothing
left to chance.
I was ready.
I knew nothing at all.
I was prepared for
nothing of substance.
Above my ignorance, I heard
angels laughing, felt
a stern compassion, the calm
of God’s grace – stark contrast
to the vibrating uncertainty
rattling my soul.
That fear could play a part
in this precious gift I carried
was overlooked; part of the fine print
that I carelessly ignored. Hooked
by the hand-me-down hype, I gladly
signed on the dotted line, and boldly
winked at the cobalt sky that smiled
upon me and my resolve.
I knew nothing. I
thought I knew everything.
The hard work began
and my eyes were opened.
Not my gift alone, but more;
it was your labor, the grinding
force of your submission, emerging
from dark to dark, light to light;
behind and beyond all, it was God’s
gift of creation-life-giving-breath.
And I felt love newly born
when I saw your face;
felt your heart against my own.
I knew I did not give, but
willingly, gratefully
received.
********************
My Gentle Readers, I wish for you all the abundance of enough. . .
(This poem is a combined response to two separate prompts: Sidey’s Weekend Theme, “Birth,” and The Sunday Whirl’s Wordle #55. I invite all of you to visit the sites through these links and read the wonderfully varied and creative work being done by so many writers on a weekly basis.)
Reflections From a Cloudy Mirror 
Just beautiful!
Thank you! The feeling is mutual!
Thanks!
This is delightful, especially the repetitive, “I thought I knew everything … I knew nothing at all …” I think there’s nothing quite like parenthood to keep giving that message to us, over and over, ad infinitum … good poem. And thanks for dropping by the Poet Treehouse, reading and commenting – I do appreciate it …
Thanks so much. I look forward to reading more of your blog in the future – being a regular visitor. The only thing that keeps me from reading all the blogs that I love is that if I did that, I could never write! I have to be selective on a daily basis – but your blog is among the ones that I will make a point to visit as often as possible.
…and now I get to see it from my ‘Gram-Gram’ eyes. Son of Son – I get to see that look of knowing and unknowing and learning in their eyes. And still…I learn.
A very nice way to look at this natural and graceful art of life.
I went a different route – enjoy:
http://julesgemsandstuff.blogspot.com/2012/05/trade-winds-sunday-whirl-55.html
Thank you, Jules! I read and commented on your terrific entry yesterday, but it does not appear now. I wrote another – hopefully it won’t end up in spam. Let me know!
Checked spam and couldn’t find it there. Got the second. Thanks. Computers can be fickle 🙂
Sometimes think that our children come to help us know how much we do not understand, and how really far we still have to go. That is such a blessing they bring. Wonderful and tender write,
Elizabeth
http://soulsmusic.wordpress.com/2012/05/06/still-possibilities/
Thank you, Elizabeth! Children are amazing gifts – especially when they serve to illuminate your shortcomings! I never knew how much I didn’t know until I received their birth!
I also loved your beautiful entry!
very compelling. Especially liked
a stern compassion, the calm
of God’s grace – stark contrast
to the vibrating uncertainty
rattling my soul.
Very nice.
Thank you Mark! Very much appreciated.
Beautiful revelation. He gives; we receive. Thank you for inspiration. Blessings to you, Paula…
Thank you Carol! And blessings to you as well!
Paula, I have been unfamiliar with your name and work…until now. You are expressive and have woven both prompts into an elegant swatch of fabric. The thread is the beauty of your words. I’ll pay more attention next time!
Thank you Walt, again – most appreciated!
The birth of the baby is the birth of that overwhelming love
Yes – the gift that keeps on giving! (That comment can be taken in at least two ways!) 😆
But giving love is in itself rewarding
Overwhelmingly so!
Paula, your name and work are both new to me…but they won’t be for long. I love the combination of the prompts and the seemingly effortless feel of it. But I know better. Hard work well rewarded. Great job .
Wow! Your comment made my day! Thanks so much – coming from such an accomplished poet as yourself I am flattered and encouraged all the more.
Sorry for the double comment, didn’t appear to post initially. But then, your words deserved a second look (and comment) 😉
No problem! The more comments the better in my book! 😉
Good heavens that is just beautiful, Paula.
Pamela
Thank you Pamela! Seems we are a mutual admiration society! 😆
Beautiful words.
Thank you once again for your kind encouragement. It is always received and appreciated with love.
Thank you for a lovely poem.
Thank you, Evalina! I’m glad you liked it, and very much appreciate your supportive comments.
Indeed, nothing can adequately prepare us for that moment when we come face to face with our precious little newborn baby.
I guess what surprised me so much was that I really thought I was prepared! In retrospect I felt like such a fool! It is an incomparable experience. You are right – no matter what “birthing classes” tell you – you are prepared for nothing! Thanks very much for commenting!