For the body I had, I will not weep.

This poem was inspired by a post by @ErickaWaller1 to whom I recently emailed a picture of my post baby stomach.

I earned this body,
It’s mine to keep.
For the body I had,
I will not weep.

Pert breasts were given,
these saggy ones were not,
I worked hard for them, I fed with them,
I miss the others not.

Stretch marks did not come in my youth,
Nor when I was a teen,
They marked my skin forevermore when my babies grew within.

My stomach once was beautifully flat,
Then three times a rounded dome.
Smooth and flawless skin outside,
Before inside became a home.

Darkness reigns beneath my eyes,
Puffed and wrinkled now for a while.
I love those lines for each one marks,
the times you’ve made me smile.

It’s where I grew you, where I first loved you,
Upon where you fell asleep,
For my old body, waiting to grow you,
I will not now nor ever weep.

Prose for Thought


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24 Comments on For the body I had, I will not weep.

  1. stephaniearsoska
    January 16, 2014 at 7:58 am (10 years ago)

    Perfect. Are you familiar with Wow by Hollie McNish? If not then treat yourself to a listen now, it’s beautiful. It’s sad that you feel you have to say don’t worry I haven’t posted a picture of my belly here. Says how much is wrong with our society. Baby bellies should be upheld as icons of beauty as far as I am concerned. Think of all that they have done. They are wonderful.

    Reply
    • instinctivemum
      February 19, 2014 at 3:00 pm (10 years ago)

      Hollie McNish is amazing I have recently discovered her!

      Reply
  2. stephaniearsoska
    January 16, 2014 at 8:04 am (10 years ago)

    You should come and read it at the next virtual open mic night by the way!

    Reply
    • instinctivemum
      February 19, 2014 at 2:59 pm (10 years ago)

      Love to, I shall come and watch from afar at first…have never shared my poetry out loud before eek!

      Reply
    • instinctivemum
      February 19, 2014 at 2:59 pm (10 years ago)

      Thank you x

      Reply
  3. judithkingston
    January 16, 2014 at 11:04 am (10 years ago)

    Beautiful!!! Gives me chills. xx

    Reply
    • instinctivemum
      February 19, 2014 at 2:58 pm (10 years ago)

      Thank you xx

      Reply
  4. WallyMummy
    January 16, 2014 at 11:09 am (10 years ago)

    I didn’t know that as you! Good on you for sharing 😉 This poem is beautiful. None of us should ever feel bad about what children have done to our bodies! I kind of prefer mine now – I know that sounds weird but I feel like it shows signs of accomplishment, and I’ve juts grown up and realised I’m never gonna look like a supermodel frankly! lol x Viva la stretchmarks… lol xx

    Reply
    • instinctivemum
      February 19, 2014 at 2:58 pm (10 years ago)

      Lol Viva la stretchmarks indeed – next poem including that phrase!! 😉 xx

      Reply
  5. Morgan Prince
    January 16, 2014 at 11:10 am (10 years ago)

    Wow. Your poem really speaks to every mother out there, it is so true. Brilliant.

    Reply
    • instinctivemum
      February 19, 2014 at 2:57 pm (10 years ago)

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  6. maddy@writingbubble
    January 16, 2014 at 12:54 pm (10 years ago)

    Beautiful poem that perfectly captures the changes that motherhood brings. My post-baby body is no where near what it was pre-baby but somehow I am prouder of it! I think all mothers should be proud of our bodies even though sometimes it is easier said than done.Your poem is a great affirmation.

    Reply
    • instinctivemum
      February 19, 2014 at 2:57 pm (10 years ago)

      Thank you x

      Reply
  7. Victoria Welton (@VicWelton)
    January 16, 2014 at 5:16 pm (10 years ago)

    Gave me goosebumps gorgeous. Your poetry is back with a bang. I am so envious (in a good way!!) that you have written this. It perfectly sums up motherhood. Thank you for sharing with Prose for Thought xx

    Reply
    • instinctivemum
      February 19, 2014 at 2:56 pm (10 years ago)

      Good to be back xx

      Reply
  8. Wicked World of Lucas
    January 16, 2014 at 5:43 pm (10 years ago)

    This is just wonderful and what a fab way of thinking about our bodies which have been changed #prose4t

    Reply
    • instinctivemum
      February 19, 2014 at 2:55 pm (10 years ago)

      Thank you, we are all far more beautiful than we think x

      Reply
  9. ellieallatsea
    January 16, 2014 at 5:48 pm (10 years ago)

    Beautiful and oh so true. The stretch marks are so worth it xx

    Reply
    • instinctivemum
      February 19, 2014 at 2:55 pm (10 years ago)

      Worth it all xx

      Reply
  10. Helen
    January 18, 2014 at 5:43 pm (10 years ago)

    Beautiful poem- I’ll re-read it the next time I look in the mirror and sigh at the state of my stomach!

    Reply
    • instinctivemum
      February 19, 2014 at 2:54 pm (10 years ago)

      Thank you, me too…I shall be re-reading a lot methinks! 😉

      Reply
  11. Claire
    January 22, 2014 at 11:24 pm (10 years ago)

    Yes! Yes! Yes!

    Reply
    • instinctivemum
      February 19, 2014 at 2:49 pm (10 years ago)

      Thank you!

      Reply

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