Poetry - Taking Up Space

Poetry - Taking Up Space

by Marilyn R. Wilson

Arriving in this world

Small, helpless, hungry

Only big enough

To fill a tiny space

In my parents arms

In their swelling hearts

And in the bassinet.

A very little space.

Becoming a child

Body steadily growing

Personality strengthening

A budding desire

For autonomy and control

Gale force demands

Of childish proportions

Expanding my space.

Ahh the teen years

Crazy and unpredictable

A yin and yang journey

Shrinking from the spotlight

Yet growing self determination

Expanding and contracting

Like a heart steadily beating

My space ever changing.

Then a wife and mother

Immersed in the shadows

Supporting and caring

Sharing and giving

Never standing in front

No time for wants and desires

Small part of a larger whole.

Standing in their space.

Then a door blew wide open

Drew me in without thought

Private place for becoming

To be filled with great thought

In went passion and purpose

Big dreams and great goals

A personal space every growing.

Taking up space of my own.