Ever since my second child was born, in 1978, I have been a doula, or a childbirth assistant... I have assisted at over four-dozen births, including nine of my eleven grandchildren. I delivered three of my four granddaughters myself, because the labor was faster than the midwife. I wrote this poem in 2006 while meditating on the cycle of birth, death, and reincarnation. Thoughts on the Births of Grandchildren Expectant mother dreams of child to be Strong, able, filled with fresh vitality. Birth is hard and when the child appears His cry brings great joy and chases fears. Creamed skin now sheds the water of birth As family and friends express great mirth Rejoice to see the daughter or son But what was lost, and what was won? The child has lost, we know, all he gained In former lives through struggle and pain Knowledge and skills and honor he won What do you have now, helpless grandson? Confusion, fear, and ignorance We know engulf hi...
Women's Spiritual Poetry