pregnant dreams

it's hiccuping, the young mother laughed and placed fingers fondly upon bulging belly. inside, life stirred. inside, children unravelled and marvelled at beginnings. outside, the world rotated -- one giant belly holding life giving birth to death and then, re-birth in another realm. century-old cycle. synonomous scenario. the wind stirred her hair, played against her rosy cheeks and lifted her lips into a serene smile. the mona lisa mother.