WHAT AM I BECOMING? by Julia W. Prentice

This one was written during an online course entitled "Writing the Womb" lead by Isabel Faith Abbott…

The prompt was "What am I becoming?" and a description of the birth process of myself as a writer was the answer. The words describe how it was to both be born as and becoming a writer in my own right, without censure or limitation as to the outcome.

What Am I Becoming?

by Julia W. Prentice

These words are pregnant,

Heavy, gravid

Swelling outward

They weigh upon lips meant for kissing,

But are never spoken.

Forced upward through constricted throat

They hang like breasts, full and pendulant.

They bulge,

Expanding to the breaking point

Barely able to be released

Crowning toward the page

Spilling out

Each raw phrase

Exhilarating, terrifying

Cried out from newborn mouth

Birthing a new me

My womb has carried them

For countless days

Much longer than nine moons

And now they have emerged

What is just now becoming?

My voice, my growl, my howl

From deep inside

The ripped-up psyche

Creating something new and whole

And, as new mothers often do,

Gazing in wonder

I recognize myself

Julia W. Prentice: A deeply feeling Cancer, Julia has been writing since her teenage years. She is the mother of three sons, has successful careers in teaching children, interpretation in sign language and assisting persons with mental health challenges to find their own paths to recovery. Living with her love and partner of over forty years has brought contentment and much fulfillment. She writes like she breathes: incessantly, some in ragged gasps, some in whispering sighs, some in mighty shouts. Always she is driven to write. Recently after taking a women’s online writing course she has heard the universe telling her to share her writings. You may find them on her blog "A Shooting Star" here.

~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~

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