The Element of Surprise

Pregnant, anxious, but waiting patiently
every mother to be knows the thrill.
Feeling signs of life inside,
sometimes worried if it's still.

The feel of a foot or hiccups inside
gives a special joy.
You think to yourself, 'WOW, that was strong'
Must be a baby boy.

You lie uncomfortably in the night
with visions of pink or blue.
You think of names for either sex
wondering which one will do?

Well that's how it used to be before
the sonogram's prying eyes.
Now I'm sure it's used to detect something wrong,
but it takes away the element of surprise.

I remember asking what did I have?
I waited for the doctor's reply.
Today most mothers know the sex.
They just want to hear the cry.

And so I'm glad mine were born
before the sonogram was here.
For the sex of the baby that I'd just birthed
I could not wait to hear.

poem by Edwina Reizer
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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