By Hayley Zemontas
I’ve got weetabix crusting my elbow, 
stretch marks map my thighs.
Toothpaste stains my shirt,
crumbs of sleep still in my eyes.
No time for a shower;
my hair’s a knotted mess!
Caged by towers of laundry
but trust me, I’m trying my best. 
I’m a parent. 
I’ve forgotten to grab breakfast.
I never made the bed.
But my children have clean nappies;
they’re fresh, watered and fed. 
There’s scatterings of mugs 
filled with half drunk tea-
I’ve had no time to drink them, 
my lap is never free. 
I’m a parent. 
I’m awake amongst the stars-
those lonely newborn nights.
Endless rounds of feeding, 
of watching the sunrise.
I rock and bounce and soothe 
to curdled colic cries.
Then all at once it’s passed-
how quickly time flies! 
I’m a parent.
I’m enamoured with every inch, 
every perfect piece.
In awe of what I’ve made 
from crown to little feet.
I’m proud to be your parent
with all its twists and turns-
what a privilege to see
you flourish, play and learn. 
I’m a parent.
And we’re a family. 
I’m your parent-
what a precious thing to be. 
Hayley Zemontas is a first-time mum to twin girls. She loves writing poetry and finds it very therapeutic. You can find her on her Facebook page.
