BIRTH 1939

Baby. Photograph by Forrest Babcock. 1939

Birth

I was pushed into it.

I was pulled into it.

I came

beating my arms and legs,

protesting leaving

the warmth of my mother’s body;

away from my source;

separate.

I inhaled

deeply, and the air forced

its painful way

into my lungs.

I was breathing,

alive in this excruciating world

And I protested again.

Then I was lifted and gently placed

upon my mother’s breast.

A pair or arms

cradled me lovingly

and I settled

closer to this new warmth

and lay quiet.

written Nov. 1958 by Ruth Zachary©