If I Only Had a Week to Live

A Poem on Motherhood

Waiting for Surgery

No, I don’t actually only have a week to live, Lord willing. But, what if? I have surgery set for a tumor removal in just over a week, and I just keep reflecting on motherhood and ways I can do better. If I only did have a week to live, what would I want it to be like? And what if I strive to have that anyways?

If I Only Had A Week to Live

I would bake your favorites every day,

and make sure you each had a measuring cup.

I would snap less and laugh more.

I would frame the feather you found,

and hang up your painting that is still sitting in a box somewhere.

I would do the dishes later

and choose to savor

the freckles, curls, and quirks.

I would always be the last to let go

and the first to dance.

I would argue less and sing more.

I would splash in the creek

and get mud on my feet.

I would spend an hour looking for the perfect rock

or leaf, or stick, or acorn.

I would read another book,

and then another.

I would give the extra bedtime back scratch,

play the extra song.

I wouldn’t need to see Australia,

or go snorkeling with dolphins.

I wouldn’t need the fancy restaurant dinner,

or the sailboat excursion.

I would just need four little bodies on my lap

as daddy says a prayer.

I would just need a whisper in my ear,

that is so quiet I can’t help but giggle.

I would just need a hug around my leg

and a handmade present that required

the entire thing of tape.