Grow (ghazal)

It's always been my job: making things grow.
It used to be plants; today the children grow.

I've spent so many hours in these growthrooms
Potting, planting, watering, harvesting - plants growing.

I'm spending so many hours in this bedroom
Cajoling, cuddling, holding, breastfeeding - children growing.

I used to be a researcher, wearing a labcoat
Hoping for a discovery, a success, a scientific growth.

I've become a mother, wearing a toddler
Hoping for a smile, a happy day, a personal growth.

Lycopersicon, Arabidopsis, the joys of my youth,
Errol, Flora, the gifts that made me grow.