Meeting You: The Birthing Experience

Meeting You

A poem honoring the birthing experience.
By Heather Rose Artushin

I stayed up late as if I knew,
tomorrow I’d be
meeting you.

A few short hours lay in bed
before a gush of water said,
“It’s time.”

The hours rushed slow,
you descended low,

contractions washed like waves,
minutes felt like days.

I moved through the pain
until I called out your name

and there you were, in my arms.

You cried loud and I cried tears
rolling down, my joy and fears
swaddled on my chest.

Your little being brought big presence,
stole sleep and taught lessons.

I felt strong and knowing
insecurity showing,
uncertain and scared,
completely unprepared.

But for you, I’m enough,
flesh and blood wrapped in love.

In an instant life was new,
meeting you.