A Midwife's Baggage

"It’s dark by the river when it’s night in the forest,

And if you walk this path alone, you will get close to no rest.

Keep some baggage by the door, you never know when they will call you,

And if you’ve walked this path before, you will say a little prayer, take a little light to guide you."

“Alabama Midwife"
Song by Kate MacLeod

In honor of Jill, an incredibly strong mother

The call phone rings, sleep recedes
Answer hushed, try not to disturb
Throw on clothes, creep down stairs,
Flick on lights, grab the baggage,
     heavier than preferred.

Miles apart, both midwives pack
Their cars in duplicate,
Each enough to stand alone,
Intended to be together, yet
     ready just in case.

Baggage is unpacked, organized,
Touch brings memory of use,
The watching begins: quiet, unobtrusive,
Always with prayer for wisdom and 
     insight to serve well.

Labor blossoms with patience-
Power, passage, passenger, psyche-
Orchestrated to a climax where 
Mother is transformed as
     her babe emerges.

Many times the baggage remains
As heavy at departure 
As upon arrival.
But other days ...
     Watchful eyes spy a need,
     Listening ears hear a call for help,
     Agile hands sift through supplies,
          utilizing tools appropriate.
     
Today the baggage contents-
Combined with inspiration, intelligence, intuition-
Sufficed for safe passage. 
Never taken for granted, prayers are lifted
     with profound gratitude.

Upon departure, the heavy baggage 
Is no longer so.
Realization sets in.
All is needful, despite being
     heavier than preferred.

© 2023 Chloe Raum. All rights reserved.