The inexplicable connection that is formed

even when the umbilical cord is cut and

that new life is no longer physically attached to the body

I don’t know what it feels like

but I can imagine,

It’s the immediate need to love,

nurture, and

protect your greatest asset;

something so special,

so unique

because it is a very real part of you

1o fingers, 10 toes, 1 heart beating

full of dreams,

ambitions,

and hopes

This is beauty

Like autumn leaves falling,

beautiful hues of

orange,

red,

and brown

all representative

of the reflection

that is you

I don’t know what if feels like

but I can imagine,

It’s a flower blooming in spring,

waiting for sun,

water,

sustenance

And so I feed you

You cling to me

sucking all that I have to give

I am yours

You are mine

I watch you grow

and wait in anticipation

I am the artist

and you are my canvas

In you,

I see all of the things that I am not;

So I dip my brush in the paint

And with soft gentle strokes

you become

patient,

brave,

warm,

calm,

like a desolate island

that has yet to be discovered

I don’t know what it feels like

but I can imagine,

You are an untapped resource

yet I am drunk,

inebriated under your influence

I stagger not knowing which way to go

I’m a novice

I’ve never done this before

You didn’t come with an owner’s manual

What if I screw you up?

There’s no return policy

and so I become afraid

Lost,

searching,

grasping,

alone in the dark

it’s just me and you

So I close my eyes

and you are there

In my arms

I smell your scent,

Inhaling

I lose my breath

I touch you

Your skin is like suede

Soft,

perfect

like untouched snow

You are summer

You are winter

You are spring

You are fall

You are day,

You are night,

You are a thousand dollar bill

and I will walk naked,

bare,

uncovered

through thorn filled rose bushes

just to protect you

for no other reason

except that

I am

your

Mother