painting by Shakaya Leone 


I am large in my skin
I make no apology
This belly grew a baby
Why should it be flat?
It curves with the memory of the womb.
These breasts fed a baby
Why should they be pert?
They swell with the memory of milk.
These hips carried a child
Why should they be slim?
They are full with the memory of life.
My bones are secret under flesh
My skin plump and white and fine
Mine is the face of Botticelli
Mine is the water of the Nile
Mine is the shape of things forbidden
Daughter of Gaia, grown beautiful and wild.

~ Lorri Barrier

Background drawing, "Fertility Goddess" by Bonnie Peacher
available for purchase at Fine Art America

 Mothers growing babies, you are welcome to join:

The Birthing Group (more holistic):
Pregnant Moms Due this year (more mainstream):

For parents striving to raise children in a positive manner:

Peaceful Parenting Group:



  1. love, Love, LOVE this!!!!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!

  2. Wonderful! Just posted a piece about my wonderful mom on my blog this morning and now this just takes my breath away!

  3. This is beautiful!!
    Something, I think, ALL mother's should keep in mind!

  4. Ryan refers to my belly as the "cradle of civilization". At least he loves my belly. :) Great poem.

  5. Hi, I'm the author of the poem. Stumbled on it by accident--I'm thrilled to see that others enjoy it and are moved by it. Really blown away, actually. It was originally published in Mothering magazine in 2008.

  6. What a beautiful piece. I am printing it out and posting it in various places in my house. For some reason, after a natural pregnancy and birth in water (accidentally unassisted) I struggle with what I thought my post birth body would be like...and what it really is. My husband is always telling me that I need to be kinder to myself. Again, thank you for your words.

  7. instant self-esteem booster. why don't we moms already embrace these things about ourselves? this is such a great reminder. thanks!

  8. loved this. however, my skin is plump, and brown and fine with the face of cleopatra. :)

  9. love this poem! I have a lump in my throat after reading it. Thanks for sharing :)

  10. love this poem! I have a lump in my throat after reading it. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

  11. Love your body...You are ALIVE!



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