Oh belly

Oh belly, what a complicated relationship we have had.

You cramped and cried out when our first little life in utero
    decided to prematurely take its exit. 
You grieved in this sorrowful vacancy
    and ached for what could have been. 
You glowed with pride in all your bigness
    when you miraculously grew babies into existence.
You hang here now, and I eyeball and squish you often,
    wishing you away.

I don’t stop to rub you with affection and say,
    “good job- it’s been a rollercoaster.”

I want to love you the way I love my babies.
    I don’t want to just tolerate you. 

I want to embrace you,
    and honor you for your service.

Be patient with me,
    as I learn to reconnect with you
    in more healing ways.