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 our 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.

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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 the editor-in-chief of Mothering.com from 1995 to 2012.. 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 three.