By Hayley Zemontas
I’ve got weetabix crusting my elbow,
stretch marks map my thighs.
Toothpaste stains my shirt,
crumbs of sleep still in my eyes.
No time for a shower;
my hair’s a knotted mess!
Caged by towers of laundry
but trust me, I’m trying my best.
I’m a parent.
I’ve forgotten to grab breakfast.
I never made the bed.
But my children have clean nappies;
they’re fresh, watered and fed.
There’s scatterings of mugs
filled with half drunk tea-
I’ve had no time to drink them,
my lap is never free.
I’m a parent.
I’m awake amongst the stars-
those lonely newborn nights.
Endless rounds of feeding,
of watching the sunrise.
I rock and bounce and soothe
to curdled colic cries.
Then all at once it’s passed-
how quickly time flies!
I’m a parent.
I’m enamoured with every inch,
every perfect piece.
In awe of what I’ve made
from crown to little feet.
I’m proud to be your parent
with all its twists and turns-
what a privilege to see
you flourish, play and learn.
I’m a parent.
And we’re a family.
I’m your parent-
what a precious thing to be.
Hayley Zemontas is a first-time mum to twin girls. She loves writing poetry and finds it very therapeutic. You can find her on her Facebook page.
