First Trimester

Enlarged.

It’s strange. Not what

it used to be. Don’t you see?

It’s different. They’re

bigger.

Wasted.

I can’t get up. And ready.

I feel gross. I don’t

want to move. I’m

too tired.

Choking.

Again and again it

comes out. I can’t do

it, I’ll throw up

and die.

Second Trimester

It’s a baby!

We see it moving

in my still tiny tummy.

Wait, not it―look.

It’s a she.

Pressure

on my bladder.

I relieve it all,

but then I sneeze and

pee again.

A twitch.

It was her, you

feel it? You put your

head on my stomach

and she kicks.

Third Trimester

Burning

in my chest from

spices and meat and---

even water gives

me heartburn.

Hours

of close contractions.

Maybe tonight? We

wait for days,

for weeks.

Not bad,

the Pitocin works

slowly. But my water

breaks and the pain is

abominable.

Birth

She’s here.

On my chest,

purple and messy,

mauled by hands

and towels.

A cry

says she’s ok,

falling quiet after

thrusting out her

bottom lip.

In shock

I don’t know whether

to cry or laugh.

I only stare in awe at

my baby girl.