weight of responsibility and hope

Often, I find myself trapped—

not by chains, but by expectations.

"Responsible," they say.

"Graciously carrying the burden."

But they don't see the ache.

The silent weight pressing against my spine,

like a tiny hamster spinning endlessly,

knowing no other way.

I am a vessel of unspoken dreams,

mapping escape routes through imagination.

Four years from now, I see myself:

School completed, responsibilities transformed.

Weights I'll gladly carry, because love makes them weightless.

I imagine my future—

A home of warmth and tender moments:

My man returning, tired,

Finding comfort in my prepared embrace.

A kiss so soft it erases his exhaustion.

Pregnant with my first daughter,

Waddling like a penguin,

Feeling her heartbeat—

Throwing up ten times a day,

Yet cherishing every moment.

I will be a different kind of mother.

Unconditional love my only doctrine.

Creating safety where once there was uncertainty.

Raising a boy to be a man,

Daughters to embrace their femininity.

Allowing their father to be a father.

Like God intended.

A symphony of love,

Not a burden to be carried,

But a calling to be celebrated.