Between Bruises and Blooms

Nobody tells you
that motherhood
will introduce you
to versions of yourself
you never knew existed.

The protector.
The warrior.
The woman who runs
on cold coffee
and impossible love.

The woman who can be exhausted
and still be someone’s whole world.

I became her slowly.

One sleepless night.
One worried breath.
One tiny hand reaching for mine
at a time.