They say a baby is
born every 5 seconds.
They also say a child
dies every 10.
Labor strikes.
Unbearable claws tear
at me from the inside.
“Get me out”, she
cries
The pain curdles
beneath my skin
Suddenly I no longer
care about those around me
I’m worrying only
about my own well-being.
An epidural, my only encouragement.
But the one true
cheer leader through all this,
My husband.
I scream, so he
reaches for my hand.
I whisper, “death is
all too near”.
He laughs, as if I’m
being over-dramatic…
Suddenly, I’m pushing
out my screams and breathing heavily between.
Last push, he
exclaims.
He kisses my forehead
and I clench his hand tighter.
Mustering everything
I have left.
(silence)
Finally, relief.
And, there she is.
An angel sent down to
us.
As I hold her in my
arms
Everything feels right,
perfect.
I stare at her
peaceful face, and begin to count
Under my breath
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
I kiss her little
head and sigh.
Suddenly everything
so perfect
Feels less than.
Robbed.
Those ten seconds
will be my sanctuary.