A burst. Midwife journeys to
gate of pink parted sea.
Bronzed angel swims out of
my mother’s belly. My baby sister’s
cradled in her arms.
Mesh of scented
placenta afresh on my sister’s skin.
A squinted glance is shared,
my mother breast feeds.
Now, soon to give birth, I grab scissors
to cut my sister’s wavy black hair. I rub
her pregnant belly with rose oil.
She radiates like when
my mother gave birth to her.
In her birthing room
the midwife calls
time of birth. She cuts
umbilical cord
of my niece.
My sister cradles her.
Jerrice J. Baptiste is Poet, Author, Facilitator, Founder of Authentic Poetry in NY. She finds peace & joy in creating sacred space with guided meditation, poetry, dance, music for self-expression of all ages and various abilities. She values joy & gratitude as part of her daily practice.