Whoa, Woman

Oh, how complicated you are, woman.

I will not even get started with your mind and its intricacies; I would rather save those thoughts for another day. Woman, I have learned that so many things could go wrong in your body -- in your monthly cycles, in childbirth, and everything in between. How complex of a being you truly are, with your curves and contradictions:

You say "yes" when you mean no; tell yourself you're fine when you mean otherwise. Your laughter and sobs sometimes sound the same, and you find beauty in everything around you.

How can you not break when you are faced with the gift/curse of nurturing life inside you? Why would you want another child when the very process of bringing a neonate into the world already sounds painful on print, let alone in real life? Oh, and need I mention the succeeding years of raising that child? You intrigue scientists and poets alike, woman, for you are an artwork and a phenomenon that they continue to try to understand but never tame.

If, by any chance the burden of childbearing does not enter your mind, your womanhood still manifests in your ability to create and to contribute a lasting impact to the world. You do not only teach, you do it by your example. You do not only lead, you serve. Woman, there is something about your touch and your perspective of the world that makes it a better place. You bring music and color, just by being yourself.

So many things can possibly go wrong yet you still take those worthwhile risks with your heart on your sleeve. You sacrifice all you have and so much more, yet over and over, you whisper to yourself that you are fine. The world disappoints you more frequently than not yet you continue to hold on to hope.

You are beauty personified,

the crown of all creation,

the pinnacle of miracles,

and the epitome of love.

Thank you for the gift of you.

(Dedicated to my Mama Mayette who had to endure caesarean section [and 20+ years after that] in order to make me who I am today. All these readings about pregnancy and delivery hurt my brain, yet they also warm my heart. Many years ago, someone willingly went through all of it, and I was fortunate enough that it was you.)