Carrying a child

Words about my work – Joanna McLeman

My experiences of carrying a child

within you, surrounding you, enveloping

you with their whole being.

The overwhelming sensation.

The privilege of carrying someone into

the world.

Of sharing lives together.

Of showing them the beauty in the

world, and what to be wary of.

Their influence on you and

resulting perceptions of the world,

people and situations.

Of carrying them and protecting

them;

Letting them have little sorties

to explore the wider world.

Growing bigger and further away

from you, knowing that you

are to let them go

freely and confidently into

their world.

Into the world on their own.