Meditations

On the amount of prayer needed to maintain a pregnancy

by Elisabeth Horan

I never got down on my knees
Begged forgiveness for my sin

Never held the carpet close –
Its fibers touching my chin.

I should have begged specifically:
God, let me keep this one inside

Allow it haven in my womb –
Not leave it for a quick expel

A processional slow parade
Of toilets trips, CVS, Hell.

Might I have plainsplained:
Dear Lord, I’m forty-three

Give me extra fortitude, for
My advanced maternal age

I worry society; they guess… (she’s his grandmother)
I make male obstetricians cringe.

Would I have kept the present Lord
Thou hath bequeathed to me

If I had been prudent in my confessions
Admitted to being selfish, brazen, loose

Or did you take it back in spite,
And push me toward the noose?

I’m sorry. Yet, I’m not sorry.
I don’t think you are sorry –

Or my breasts would still be swollen;
Belly taut – a thankful visage, glowing.

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Elisabeth Horan is a poet/momma/flower/animal from Vermont writing her heart out and trying her darnedest… She has books on the way from Fly on the Wall and Twist in Time, Hedgehog and Cephalo.
Be kind and love one another. Peace. <3

Follow her @ehoranpoet & ehoranpoet.com.