when I say I hold space for you,
I remember a time when the breath was squeezed to a little part of my body
my lungs were compressed
my stomach moved to the side
My bones cradled a safe hollow under my heart
when I made space then
it consumed everything I did
holding that space for weeks
for months.
It seems like it would never end
It seemed like it would end too soon.
I’d roll over in bed curling around that space
I would walk, knowing that space was inside me
as I sat my hands were drawn to cup it’s wonder
I moved through my day but always my mind went back to the startle and joy of its presence within me.
Sacred with portent that space wasn’t empty.
It was full of promise
It wasn’t a burden; it resonated with gravity and substance
I walked and thought differently because I carried it within.
I took better care of myself because of its presence.
I had a new and increased purpose
Responsibly that I willingly chose.
I hold a space for you
As life works its influence on you
As you push against the constraints
Grow and struggle
Hold the promise of you firmly in my focus
The hope and vision of the emergent
you
that you already are
Surrounded by the light
the love
I hold space for you
About the Creator
Judey Kalchik
It's my time to find and use my voice.
Poetry, short stories, memories, and a lot of things I think and wish I'd known a long time ago.
You can also find me on Medium
And please follow me on Threads, too!
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Where's the Glory?
In breaking news, rehabilitated Republican Senator Johnnie Johnson (Pronouns: HE, HIM, HIS) called a press conference from the Men’s room of the New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport, Concourse B, across from the Ignatius Reilly’s Lucky Dog stand. The Senator had just returned from a sexual reorientation rehabilitation program in Memphis, TN after being publically disgraced at a Buckee’s Truckstop restroom soliciting sex from an undercover cop three months ago. He is a founding member of the Reformed Christians for Christ, a conservative, pro-family and ex-gay advocacy group. In the spirit of being reborn, Senator Johnson invited reporters to marvel at his plans for a major remodeling of airport bathrooms.
By Cathy Schieffelin3 days ago in Humor
Comments (12)
Great
The transition from literal to metaphorical holding is so graceful. You move from the intimacy of the body to the expansiveness of compassion, creating a continuum between creation, care, and love.
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
I can feel the love you have for this child-grats on a well earned ts
congrats on top story! it's about damn time. i'm glad this is getting recognized, it's one of the most beautiful things i think that i've read of your writing.
This is incredible
That is an absolute love, something about a child, a new born grows all our defences and as you say we hold a space Beautiful Judey
Oh, this is such a beautiful poem/story. Made me think of my mother.
There is love in many forms and a newborn is one of the best in and out.
what a wonder our bodies and love can be ❤️ divine work, yet again, judey
Only after a few lines I realised this was about pregnancy. Loved your poem!
I wish I could get these thoughts across my daughter. This is beautiful.