I am participating in two challenges this month, OctPoWriMo and Inktober. To make it easier on myself, I’m trying to write a new poem on odd-numbered days and make a drawing on even-numbered days. (Yes, I know I didn’t post a drawing yesterday. I was sick.)

The prompt for Day 3 is womb.

Surprise!

A surprise is something you weren’t expecting
But delights you nonetheless.
Not delighted?
Give it time.
There’s a life at stake—
Not just yours, though yours is important.

There’s his life,
Totally vulnerable,
Totally depending on you
To love him and to nurture him.

There’s my life, too,
Because I’m part of the cosmos your little one will enter.
Even if I never meet him,
I will benefit because he exists,
Because the universe will expand to include him,
Because eliminating his potential robs all of us.

I understand that it’s not a good time.
But right now there are people aching to experience
What you’re thinking about throwing away.
Can you respond with generosity?
Can you make joy out of your sorrow?