Monday, March 29, 2010

Zoodle, you're 2! (Here's a poem about you.)

Two years ago today, I woke up at 2:30 in the morning to pain...quickly followed by excitement.

Just over five hours later, we'd grown into a family of four.

Zoodle's birth was an unmedicated water birth at a freestanding birthing center. To say it was an amazing experience is to trivialize it. Recently I wanted to write a poem about that life-changing day and what it meant to me. The poem is below. (This poem is structured as a villanelle, with its specific scheme of rhymes and repeating lines.)

Birth day
by C. Beth

From water to water, from womb to breast
Indignant young cries join jubilant tears
God’s newest creation, held to my chest

You journeyed on waves of pain, every crest
Nudged you closer—pain brings joy, it appears,
From water to water, from womb to breast

“I did it!” I cry. “I passed the test!”
I kiss my reward for conquering fears—
God’s newest creation, held to my chest

“This labor,” they say, “made you tired. Now rest.”
But my soul dances to the song that it hears!
From water to water, from womb to breast!

The hours pass quickly; the sun travels west
But I’ll grasp this day to my heart, all my years—
God’s newest creation, held to my chest

Sweet son, let’s go home, settle into our nest
Where I’ll whisper joy in your perfect new ears.
From water to water, from womb to breast,
God’s newest creation, held to my chest

Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Photobucket

Photobucket

Happy birthday, Zoodle. You bring me joy!

19 comments:

Eternal Lizdom said...

That was so beautiful!! I'm all teary over here!!

Shannon said...

How beautiful!!!!! I have tears running down my cheeks.

Unknown said...

You should print a copy of that for Zoodle's baby book, so he can read it when he gets older. Happy Birthday little one!

Monkey Mae said...

Happy birthday! Beautiful poem...there's nothing quite like the natural high after an unmedicated birth. Love the pix, too.

Call Me Cate said...

I agree with Melinda - that's a keeper for him when he's older.

Happy birthday, Zoodle. I think he's my favorite little internet man.

Megan Fletcher said...

Happy Birthday to Zoodle and happy birth day to you! That was a beautiful poem, Beth. Thank you for sharing it. I'm so proud for you, my friend!

Heidi said...

AMAZING!

Unknown said...

Beth,
Your poem is expressive of reality, hope, and pleasure. I very much enjoyed your birthday poem to 'Zoodle'

silver star said...

Happy Birthday Zoodle!

SurvivorBlessing said...

Happy Birthday to the little Rugrat!!! I love him and he always makes me smile!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful poem! Thanks for sharing. Have fun celebrating!

Our Scoop said...

Happy Bday Zood!!!

Unknown said...

I hope he had a wonderful birthday!!! I loved the poem-it was beautiful....and you know--I never thought you for a "waterbirth type". That's awesome though!

Skerrib said...

Lovely!

The Clines said...

Happy birthday Zoodle-man!

Mrs. Kelly Rooks said...

Absolutely beautiful!! Thanks for sharing! Happy Birthday Zoodle! Wow, your hair has got long too!

Monica said...

Can I ditto that? Happy Birthday to our 2 year olds (Miranda 3-28-08)!

Sandra said...

Happy Belated Birthday, Zoodle! You have one amazing Mommy!

Your poem is wonderful, Beth. Happy birth-day to you too. :)

Dani said...

So adorable. and WOW! once upon a time, your hair was very short! :)