End and Beginning

Motherhood: some notes

The end of:
Lie ins
Space to myself
Time to myself
Quiet
Sleep
Satisfaction in feeling on top of life
Empty laundry basket
Nights out
Privacy

The beginning of:
Warm, urgent little arms around my neck
Slowing down
Seeing the world again
Knowing another human being completely
Singing and dancing every day
Guilt
A new centre
Love like no other

And always the promise and the threat that this too shall pass.