Hypertext Magazine & Studio collaborated with Chicago’s Breakthrough Urban Ministries to bring writing workshops to their clients. This poem is a result of that collaboration.
By Dominique Murray
I had so many false alarms this time I wanted to be sure. This is it! She’s coming. Hopefully!
I was in so much pain, all I could do is… Breath… Blow! My back ached so bad, I wanted something to ease the pain. Here I was experiencing the pains of child birth.
I eased my way into bed my belly feeling like an oversized watermelon. I’m careful not to fall.
He was in the next room. My pride wouldn’t let me ask him for his help. He’s helped enough! Look At me. Fat and helpless.
I remember being in so much pain I drove to the drug store and purchased a heating pad for my back.
Is she coming!
They say I’m carrying her in my hips and buttocks.
I drove back home, thinking maybe I should just drive to the hospital. Something told me no. Don’t go alone.
Frustrated, fat, and anxious, I wanted something so beautiful to be over. Inside my room, I relax with a heating pad while playing some music. This remedy worked up until this point. But this was the breaking point. It’s got to be time!
Baby daddy drove me to the hospital. I arrived and was wheeled to the maternity ward.
All I could think about was the pain…
The pain getting intense and intense…breath
The nurse ordered for a stress test. Then she checked to see if I was dilated. To my advantage it was time! Finally, my miracle is on the way.
No false alarm today!
I screamed for the nurse to give me an epidural. I was told to sit up straight and don’t move.
There I was relieved because the pain was relieved and soon my baby girl will be coming!
Hours later I was just enough centimeters dilated and it’s time. The doctor said’ now push.
Out she comes as red and bright as beautiful as the sun. My baby girl!