"Don't Look Back in Anger"
I stopped watching the news during my first pregnancy. Footage of war-ravaged far-away nations and desperate faces clung to my nightmares. I imagined myself as the mother of every ill-fated child, crossing choppy seas on flimsy boats, shipwrecked on swollen shores. The tragedy of every lost soul shook the walls of my womb. I wept into my pillow with all the sadness of the world, cradling my unborn child, promising hope and safety. I gave money to relief funds and futile tears to the moon, but feeling too pregnant to volunteer my sweat or blood, I ultimately felt useless. Instead, I focused on my changing body and realised that I had to give all my strength to our tiny baby. It was clear to me that I had to believe that our world was pure and good for this little child who'd one day walk its streets. By 10pm, the TV was off and my brain was immersed in positive thoughts. As my body stretched to accommodate his growing limbs and powerful kicks, my mind shrunk away from the r