The King Size Cot

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Crrrk crrrk...
The magnificent king-size cot groaned
As I executed that complex maneuver—
One more time—
Trying my best to extricate myself
From beneath those little humans
Huddled by my side,
Or sometimes sprawled across me
Like a story scrawled in soft limbs and sleepy breaths.

Holding my breath, hoping
Not to awaken either of them—
For that would mean
Irreparable collateral damage.
Groooaaan. Aargh.
I flexed my body, stretched my arms,
Back aching, feeling sore—
As though I’d just woken from a berth
To the sound of my station being announced.

This has been my constant
Morning routine for the past few years—
A journey from discomfort
To...
Shall I say comfort?

Ironically, yes.

Gone are the days of sprawling across the bed in quiet solitude—
Those peaceful nights
When a book or soul-stirring melody kept you company,
And sleep would gently take you
Like a whispered lullaby into the arms of dreams.
Waking up fresh and energetic,
Ready to seize the day.

Now—disturbed sleep.
Interrupted by shrill cries,
Sleep talk, sleep walk.
Getting punched.
Getting kicked.
Getting pushed out of bed.
Getting smothered.
The new normal has found its place...

And yet—

There are those sweet moments—
Of closeness,
Of kisses, hugs, and squishes.
A tiny arm wrapping around your neck,
Pulling you close,
Breathing into your chest.
A little heart,
Longing for your nearness,
Choosing you
As his safe abode
After a long, tiring summer's day.

Those angelic smiles
That light up their innocent faces.
Those rare chuckles
When playtime continues into their dreams...

Ah!
Priceless.

Moments that may never return
After a few years—
When hugs become rare,
And kisses are followed by
An awkward, “Maa! Everyone’s watching!” whiny voice.
Closeness that may slowly transform—
And drift afar.

Sigh.
So until then...

In between those squishes and hugs,
And
Between carving out some space
For yourself to breathe in—
That ‘no-room-for-more’ king cot
May Motherhood thrive.

In all its beauty,
In all its grace—
As long as those little humans
Are not so little anymore.


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