Motherhood is hell.
Nine months of discomfort.
Thirty minutes to three days of pain.
Eighteen years of heartache.

What mother would give it up?
What mother could?

It’s funny how the memories
are not of the pain,
but of the laughter,
     and hugs,
     and lullabies.

Snuggled next to your sleeping child
  instead of your mate.
Rocking your crying baby
  instead of dancing in your lover’s arms.
Cooking nuggets and fries
  instead of preparing a gourmet meal.
Watching cartoons on TV
  instead of seeing a show on Broadway.
Watching your teen leave for their first date
  instead of going out on the town yourself.

Letting go of your baby’s hand
  as they join another’s in matrimony.

You labor for so long to get them.
Then, in an instant,
     in the blink of an eye,
they’re gone.

Having children is hell.
Not having them is far worse.