I never dreamt of daughters such as these. 
One pushes me forward; one pulls me to my knees. 

They arrived like weather breaking, sudden and fierce. 
Ambition born first, bright-limbed, reaching for the world. 
I never dreamt of daughters such as these. 

Illness came next, warm as cooling tea 
seeking the cradle’s sway and a soft lullaby—
One pushes me forward; one pulls me to my knees. 

Always they shape me with the depth of their need: 
one grasping for more hours, more fire; 
the other wishing only to rest—
One pushes me forward; one pulls me to my knees. 

Through quiet nights, they nestle at my breast; 
two daughters loved, and loving them unravels me. 
I never dreamt of daughters such as these. 
One pushes me forward; one pulls me to my knees. 

Bio: Rebecca Simone Schmitz