Mother-in-waiting

From the moment of conception
You begin the long wait
Not just the date of birth
But every day outside the school gate
Sitting about in corridors or cars
Whilst child lives out their childhood
Having fun
You wait.

At home the hours drift by
Like summer clouds
While you wait for the phone
Or computer
Or the shower
And then
After you've had your own
Hurried turn in the bathroom
You wait.

(Written a few years ago when my child was younger.  How I miss those years now!)