This week, with Heidi’s permission, I’m sharing my favorite excerpt from her book Behold Your Mother. I don’t know what kind of poem this qualifies as, but it brought tears to my eyes and has been rattling around in my brain all week. As a poetry novice, I think that’s one of the marks of a “good” poem for me – something that grabs, that sticks, that shakes me up somehow, some way. And this poem definitely speaks to my week with my baby (and my three-year-old too)!
Nourisher of God and Man
Father God, we need to talk.
When You asked me to bear the Word Incarnate,
I willingly abandoned myself to Your plan.
though it deeply wounded my family.
I willingly laid down in that stable,
and did not murmur even when You sent us
packing to Egypt at midnight.
But Lord…help.
I am exhausted! This Child of Yours has not slept
for three nights running…and, my breasts are tender
pomegranates…and, to be honest, this husband You gave
me is no help at all…and, diapers and dishes are piled to
the ceiling…and, I could weep from sheer frustration…
and…
If Gabriel cannot be spared again,
would you please send me mother?
For the other Poetry Friday submissions, be sure to check out the round-up at Findings.
