Parenthood

From what I've heard

A woman's greatest joy

Is that of having children

They think the 24 hours of extraneous labor,

the projectile vomiting,

and waking up at 2 a.m. to relieve a full bladder

Is worth it

Cause when everything is over

They have this chance to look down

And see this beautiful baby

This human being they helped make.

They will witness all of their firsts

First crawl

Then steps

First words

Then first crush.

Things were different for me

Parenthood began at 17

With children half grown

My mother had been laid to rest

My father thought he had all under control

But I was the one

who made sure they were fed 

Clothes washed 

When someone fell sick

I was the doctor 

I never got all those great firsts 

Or that beautiful 9 months’ glow

I got the hard times

The pain 

The tears 

I never experienced joy 

I didn't expect to be a replacement parent at 17