HEARTS

I did not know when I birthed my son
that he would take my heart with him.
 
At night, desperate for rest
half asleep, barely present
I’d attempt to nurse him.
The choice frustrated us both.
 
One night when he cried, I took
him downstairs to my rocker,
made tea, made us comfortable
and realized he was my life.
 
He grew. I watched my heart
learn to walk, read
navigate friendships, school
and grieve a first love anew.
 
He became a man
who with his spouse created
three children into
whom he placed his heart.
 
Together, powerless but present
remembering our own youth
we watch their spirits grow
as they navigate their lives.
 
We’re participant and spectator both
since we freed our hearts
to beat, break and love
inside our children.
 

Comments

8 responses to “HEARTS”

  1. Patricia S Haldeman Avatar
    Patricia S Haldeman

    Cindy, this is beautiful and so true. It touches each of us.

    On Mon, May 11, 2020 at 9:54 AM A WELL-TRAVELED HEART wrote:

    > Cynthia M. Sheward posted: ” I did not know when I birthed my son that he > would take my heart with him. At night, desperate for rest half asleep, > barely present I’d attempt to nurse him. The choice frustrated us both. > One night when he cried, I took him downstairs to my roc” >

    Like

  2. Becky Ross Michael Avatar

    All so true, and you’ve expressed this process so beautifully, Cynthia.

    Like

  3. Suze Avatar
    Suze

    Beautiful poem about your son. It made me cry and miss my son.

    Like

  4. Marti White Avatar

    This seemed very personal to me…I could write these very words about two daughters. I love your poetry, Cynthia.

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  5. Cynthia M. Sheward Avatar

    Thank you, Marti. I am so glad that you enjoy my poetry.

    Like

  6. Cynthia M. Sheward Avatar

    Our children own our hearts forever.

    Like

  7. Cynthia M. Sheward Avatar

    Thank you, Sweetie.

    Like

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