To Be a Mother is to Be Constantly Interrupted

Of half-formed thoughts, of coitus interruptus,
It’s heading to the living room and then being called to the kitchen
It’s constantly having other’s wants and needs privileged over yours.
Don’t read into this though. I am not complaining
Rather, I am explaining why I have not finished the book yet,
Or lost 5 pounds, or learned to properly meal prep each weekend.
I keep forgetting the direction I was headed and have to relearn it
In the quiet moments before they wake,
Before they climb into my lap, cuddle, tell me about the bird feeder wars
Before they need phones unlocked, purchases approved, breakfast made
Before the day unravels, at first slow, then fast, then somnolent,
then all autobahn till lights out and a new day starts. How trite: My mom
used to say, “I wouldn’t trade this (life) for anything.” But really,
I wouldn’t.

Michele Gregoire Gill is a writer of academic works and nonfiction essays and prose, a mother of two young-ish boys, a teacher, and an educational researcher. She works as a professor of educational psychology and program coordinator for the education doctorate in curriculum and instruction at the University of Central Florida. She also serves as chairman of the board for a K-8 charter school she founded in Sanford, Florida. In her spare time, she likes to sink into prayer, watch mourning doves eat all the birdseed in the feeder, and lift heavy things. You can find her online at michelegregoiregill.com.