An Original Poem

This poem comes from the heart and took me at least 15 whole minutes to write. It expresses the deepest yearnings of my soul.

4 Centimeters and 80% Effaced

This pregnancy has gone longer

Than I have previously faced.

But it was exciting to hear

I’m dilated 4 centimeters and 80% effaced.

Two weeks ago I heard it

And for those weeks I’ve paced,

Expecting to give birth because

I’m dilated 4 centimeters and 80% effaced.

I thought I’d deliver early

(My last baby came with haste)

Yet this child remains inside me,

Though I’m dilated 4 centimeters and 80% effaced.

Yes, I know I'm early
But my experience is based
On being in full labor last time
I was dilated 4 centimeters and 80% effaced.

My doctor will be leaving town soon

And stripping membranes was a waste.

My baby will not progress beyond

Dilation to 4 centimeters and 80% effaced.

I’ve heard tell of orange juice that

Brings on labor when it’s laced

With castor oil and will throw me past

My dilation of 4 centimeters and 80% effaced.

I will not drink the foul concoction,

Though it promises I’ll be graced

With a baby (and diarrhea) now that

I’m dilated 4 centimeters and 80% effaced.

And so I’ll just keep waiting,

Though my optimism seems misplaced,

And hoping this child will come because

I’m dilated 4 centimeters and 80% effaced.

I sit and dream and and lose my mind;
My insanity can be traced
To still being heavily pregnant when
I'm dilated 4 centimeters and 80% effaced.