Motherhood and Coffee

Scalding hot! It hurts but it feels good. My body adjusts to the heat and I settle into my important role. I will contain the energy she needs to face the day, to pick her head up again, to smile as if everything is just fine. I see the tiredness on her face. I hear the sigh of relief as she takes that first deep sip. She grips me hard, holding onto the life I pour into her.

Then we’re off, whisked back through the house. Kids roused, fed, cleaned, bags packed and out the door.

I heard about another coffee cup that was ceramic. She was placed on the roof of the car and flew off into the street as she raced to get the kids to school on time. I am glad to be metal. Unbreakable. I will not let her down.

I could feel the strength she gained from me with each sip. The deep breath she exhaled with each taste. Stay calm I whispered to her.

She held me with a lighter touch when the kids were gone. A few minutes of peace with NPR. Then the anxious hunt to find a parking spot. And the hard grip as the workday begins.