Oh, how it torments my heartstrings to tie up this chapter
I clench ever so tightly to what will soon be a mother’s memory
As it quickly and ever so surely is fading from my daily routine
What was once around the clock is down to a precious nightcap
As these words delicately drip from my maternal well of wisdom
I fight yet embrace a floodgate of tears entrenched upon my cheeks
So certain to me that this outpour is not a novel nuance of motherhood
Surely an eternal army of women have busted through these levies
How I yearn for a group hug from this soulfully collected congregation
And as I place that prayer into the palm of God I notice something
I sense warmth on my cheeks, a calming carousel around my chest
As providing sustenance to this tiny being blew my maternal mind
And rocked my world back and forth through a thousand lullabies
It too must come to an end where tears dry to pave timeless tracks
Cementing a soulful, cobble stone imprint on a woman and child
But first, a baby girl sobs in harmony with gusts of changing winds
As her mother inhales one final guzzle of gut-wrenching gratitude
It is time for both to be brave and bid farewell to Mama’s arms
Ms. Bryant was a Coast Guard spouse stationed on Martha’s Vineyard from 2009-2011. Some may say they’ve left their heart in the city by the bay, but hers is surely on the Vineyard.