Perfect
I am sorry.
I am sorry that other mothers look into my cot and allow sympathy to rush to their eyes without a fight.
I am sorry I was dealt a losing hand which others must now play for me.
I am sorry the statistics let you down.
I am sorry for the guilty thoughts which edge your mind and keep you from your sleep.
The playing out of might-have-beens and wish-I-hads and the delicious hatred of those who hold a perfect baby to their chest like a winner’s medal.
You do not fold me into blankets, as other mothers do.
You do not stare at me with eyes which never blink.
You do not tell the world I’m here, but wait for the world to discover me and then groom yourself with its pity.
My arrival was a whisper not a shout. My life is an apology before it has even begun. I am a rushed conversation, a spoiled congratulations, a bundle of regret.
You do not hold me. I am wrapped in disappointment and you cannot bear the feel of it against your skin. Instead, you look at me from the corner of the room with folded arms and beaten eyes and a lifetime of me crowding into your mind.
I know your days are too full for me and so I stare at the machines which nurse me in your place.
And yet I am happy.
I know some things are given, not decided. I know that sometimes we cannot be what others expect us to be. I know that, in time, we may look at things with different eyes.
But, most of all, I know that I love you.
I loved you before I even saw your face.
And I love you now.
Even though you are not what I imagined you would be.
Even though you are not perfect.
*Sniff*… Sad and Beaitiful
Ummm… Of course what I meant to say was Beautiful
oh wow. Very strong and moving x
What a poignant scene you’ve done here. Very touching.
Do think that Mike made that typo because of the watering eyes
Amazing, again.
A beautiful, sad, and wonderful prose poem. x
Lovely, just lovely.
You have a real gift for capturing huge emotions with a few beautifully chosen words and your ability to empathise shines through. Thank you.
Jo, you do it every time to me. I’m speechless. All I can manage to say is, your writing strikes a deep chord within. I adore your blogs and cannot wait to be able to have the pleasure of purchasing your first novel. It will have pride of place.
Publishers, look out for our Jo Cannon – she’s brilliant!!
“You will always be loved.”
The use of language is astonishing, as is the way the scene turns on its head at the end – just who is disappointing who? Plus, I echo everything Mike says!
Jo…what can I say? It’s just beautiful. Thank you for sharing x
Lovely, Jo.
Moving and sad -but touched a nerve.
Really brilliant. Wonderful writing
Brilliant writing
Thank you. Just that.