While Most of the World Wanted Baby Boys
I prayed and begged for, demanded
a small dark girl child
because I’d already seen her in my dreams—
she was real born alive I could smell her.
I didn’t want the ultrasound’s eye of prediction,
no, I needed that baby girl in my arms.
Before she was born I’d already imprinted,
rocking in a chair, everything I knew to her,
the big belly of her swaying as I spoke of what
to put up with and what shit to not put up with,
and then I heard my god say Love her not too much,
too much; allow her to make her own way.
phrase “love her not too much, too much” from “Beauty” by Elinor Wylie, 1921.
15 thoughts on "While Most of the World Wanted Baby Boys"
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Dear Melva,
How I have enjoyed your work this month. You see I, too, prayed for my two girls, and guess what, I was right–they are my joy.
I was rewarded with three grandsons, too.
Bruce Florence
I’ve never known another person who prayed for a baby girl, until now!
Very nice. Especially “ultrasound’s eye of prediction” and “imprinted.”
Nearly 40 years ago, ultrasound’s were not always accurate. Thank you!
totally good poem
totally good advice
(especially to this smitten g.parent)
A firefly just drifted through the open kitchen door, and I have many of your poems to read!
I prayed for a boy, and he is teaching me to be more patient, observant, and laidback. I’ve enjoyed reading your poems this month but this one especially.
Another of your poems that took my breath away. This phrase slayed me: “the big belly of her swaying”
I have so enjoyed reading your poems!
Your powtry has flourished and grown so dang much since our workshop days, Melva! Adore this one in every way.
I can’t say I prayed for a girl, yet, but always knew I would be heartbroken if I never had one. Like you, though, I imprinted with my two boys before they were born and cherish them dearly.
Perhaps it isn’t too late for the little lady, though–dark of hair and eyes, as I imagine her, as well. we’ll see
Thanks, Joseph,
Beautiful! “I…demanded a small dark girl child.” Love this line!
Thanks every one.
Yes, a good one! Deal your yearning.
*Feel your yearning.
The mother-daughter bond can be so powerful, which you describe so evocatively! The last lines are words of caution that balance the poem. Good job!