By K.P.

After pregnancy sickness stole my appetite
Months of eating toast at most
My first Thanksgiving as a mother
I had a newborn girl nursing in my arms
Just a few weeks old

She was not old enough for turkey and stuffing
Next year, I thought, she would squish and taste
All of the wonderful things on my plate

I brought my tiny girl with me to the table
In my maternity leggings
Balanced her on one side
Nursing pillow under my arm
And felt hungrier than maybe I ever had

These foods have always been my favorite
This day had always been special to me
But this felt like my first meal in ages

I did not eat gracefully
And I dripped gravy
Yes, gravy
Right on my sweet baby

And I nursed her as I wiped it away, laughing
Hoping she’d get green bean and mashed potato flavored milk
And a turkey induced sleep later on my chest
And learn to love these foods as much as I do

New Beginnings would love to share your poems and stories. Email Kylie at [email protected]

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