Moment of Birth

My Darling One you are so new

helpless - yet so strong!

You didn't really need the Doctor

quiding you along...

Now I know how every mother feels

at the moment of birth.

You caused such pain, such draining

of strength, yet

when you finally arrived in just a second

all that had gone before

was completely forgotten

and I held you to my breast - now calm

then gently with my fore finger...

caressed your tiny arm.

Frances Macaulay Forde © 1976