Quick Glances in the Mirror of Time
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In order to prove that my brain wasn’t jelly When the lab coat wouldn’t reach
over my belly I just donned another – put on front to back. No one was going to
think I was slack!
With the fume hood protector pulled down almost closed And the glassware behind
it all expertly posed My gloved hands measured and mixed quite ably Would I
finish the synthesis before the baby?
My mates never mentioned these eccentric displays They had helped me develop
some safe working ways So this was an everyday workday view As they treated me
just like a person – not two.
No one can imagine the ‘motherhood’ feeling. When the baby arrived I was
spinning and reeling. Whatever would happen apart or together, We were now
connected forever and ever.
First day back at work – the fears left behind, I enjoyed being able to indulge
MY own mind It was not someone’s mother – it was ‘me’ they respected And what’s
more my coffee was HOT, I reflected.
I was helped by my loved ones cajoling and kind And the carer who understood
little bub’s mind A ‘day’s leave’ each week was my own way to cope So I could
keep traction on that slippery slope. One time, I felt sleepless and haggard and
fraught But the lab full of nurses still had to be taught “Bad night with the
baby?” they knew what was wrong They comforted me and we all became strong.
On Fridays, a greeting I could not understand was ‘havagoodweekend’ – I was on
demand Weekend duty as cook, gardener, chauffeur and maid. I relaxed with my
science for which I got paid.
The school years were hectic – activities galore Meant driving some kilometres
and then a few more. Leaving ‘notes’ in the kitchen, I thought that my role
Should be called ‘mothering by remote control’.
We’ve been proud of each other, seen benefit NOT blame As each family member has
achieved a new aim Like my friend whose child’s painting was carefully prepared
“My mum does experiments” it proudly declared.