A Birth Blessing

This was a poem I wrote for my friend Erin who is expecting, in fact she has less than two weeks until her due date. I don't know if you've ever attended a 'birth blessing' but if you haven't, its a really awesome thing. It is all about pampering the mother, and connection, and positive energy. We henna painted a design she chose on her belly, made a crown of flowers for her to wear, washed and massaged her legs, feet, arms, neck, and head. We brought a bead for each one of our children and strung it together as a necklace for her to wear. We were all tied together with red string around our left wrists and then cut apart. We gave her an item to focus on, or use when she is in labor. Someone brought a plain old gray rock with black sharpie marker words written on it: "You Rock". All of us were given a candle to light when she goes into labor. Did I mention she will have this baby at home with a midwife and doula? Yes, she is just cool like that. And pretty amazing. But anyway, I had not written in a really long time, any poetry, so I wanted to post it here. We were also asked to bring something written for inspiration, or something of meaning, that's why I wrote the poem. Tell me what you think.

A Birth Blessing

Bountiful,

Her body grows

To make space

Others see

That there is more

Of her

Tissues, particles, pieces

Little molecules dancing around

Coming together

In the center, as if

She

Is the celebration

The Maypole

A beating heart

Two beautiful hands

Neither masculine nor feminine

Veins intertwined, pulsating

A history only the body knows

Hands ready to receive, to clutch

Tiny doll like fingers of wonder

Strong capable arms

With a story to tell as well

Strength, a birth right

But earned

Through an internal war, and years

Of battle until the white flag

Went up, and with that

Acceptance,

And finally love

Within and without

Connection

Love that has no boundaries

Limitless, she gives

To her friends, family, children,

And the next one to be

Embraces

Life with her whole being,

She gives more

Than she has to

And the way she laughs

Head thrown back

Smiles in silence

With her eyes

She walks with her head

And mind

Before her body

Can even catch up

She is right armed and hip ready

In a child’s minute

To pick up the pieces

Mend hearts

Make each moment right

And each child whole

Emerging

One within

Will soon be

Ready for holding

To be held close

At her bosom

To be stroked on the cheek

And soft fuzzy head

Fingers held while nursed

And loved to being

A bountiful, embraced connection

An emerging love

This is her scrubbing her belly before

the henna belly tattoo was painted on