when life begins - 10 november 2001

for ages and ages
the debate continues on
everyone has a theory
everyone has their own truth
when does life begin?
at conception
in the first breath at birth
or with the first beat of a heart
some clutch fiercely
to the beliefs they've been taught
others cradle reverently
the beliefs they have earned
for 30 years i was in this world
believing my life began
conception ~ 10 november 1970
believing i was alive
marking birthdays, passing years
each 15th of july
believing two small days in eternity
defined the existence in me
little did i know
life truly had not begun in me
my conception came with pastel hand-coloured lilies
my first breath was taken when you first kissed me
and my heart truly found its rhythm
the first time 'i love you' was whispered in my ear
wrapped tightly in your arms
on a glowing makeshift dancefloor
my life began with you loving me
under soft blue lights
and a red-painted heart
10 november 2001