Tanka sequence

MOTHERHOOD TIMES THREE

 

my first-born child

sleeps deeply in my arms

his body weightless;

            emptiness I shall have

            when he is grown and leaves

 

her baby softness

the fragrance of her skin

her downy gold hair

            I flow into her warmth

            and she into me

 

again, love grows

before she takes her first breath

and opens blue eyes

            her life in my hands

            my life in hers