Because of Our Giving

There is only one lap now.
Still four strong arms to hold two young bodies,
But only one lap for sitting
As mine grows larger with expanding life.

But we have hugs:
Blue hugs—soft with kisses,
Red hugs—firm and squeezing,
Purple, pink and green hugs.

We always stay in close touch.

And we have smooches and cuddles.
Holding hands as planes take off,
In tunnels,
On bridges.
Feeling bodies warmly touching in the night,
Tiny feet,
Open arms.

At times, the ever giving,
Always demanded
Of my love
Exhausts me
And I fear I am depleted.

But then I am reminded
And revitalized
By the total love
They give to me
Because of love that they have known.

For them,
It will be easier
To touch,
To hold,
To care
Because of our giving
Now.

Peggy O’Mara
1978
………………………………………………………………………………………………

Peggy O’Mara is the editor and publisher of peggyomara.com.  She was the editor and publisher of Mothering Magazine from 1980 to 2011 and founded Mothering.com in 1995. The author of Having a Baby Naturally; Natural Family Living; The Way Back Home; and A Quiet Place, Peggy has conducted workshops at Omega Institute, Esalen, La Leche League, and Bioneers. She is the mother of four and grandmother of two.