By Claire Louise Enders

Mallorca, Spain

Machines bleeping, keeping you alive

a future uncertain, a breast-pumping curtain.

These are the things I’ll remember.

From a tiny apple head to yummy chunky legs,

each gram that felt like a prize.

These are the things I’ll remember.

Stay a little longer, slow down time,

for the briefest of seconds, you were only mine.

Sweaty stroller heads, baby smell beds

these are the things I’ll remember.

A small face lit with love,

that one damn missing glove.

These are the things I’ll remember.

Your small hand in mine,

the ever-ticking of time.

These are the things I’ll remember.

Stay a little longer, slow down time,

for the briefest of seconds, you were only mine.

Head sweaty with fever,

a tooth fairy believer—

these are the things I’ll remember.

A wobbly first step, a wobbly first tooth,

the bike, the scooter, the basketball hoop.

“I love you to infinity, Mama!”

“I love you more!”

A shared glance at basketball,

the pride as you score.

These are the things I’ll remember.

Stay a little longer, slow down time,

for the briefest of seconds, you were only mine.

Each baby step, each bigger shoe,

draws me closer to a future without you.

Yet my heart swells with pride as your stride grows wide,

gently leaving my world behind.

Stay a little longer, slow down time,

for the briefest of seconds, you were only mine.

About the Author:

Claire Louise Enders is a mother and writer based in Mallorca, Spain. Her work reflects on the emotional journey of motherhood, capturing the fleeting, beautiful, and bittersweet moments of raising a child.

Instagram:

@e_claireau