A Thought

Another season of restless waiting has come to an end.
The constant pacing mind calmed by
Peace and happiness that have settled in my heart.

Women here amaze me.
So young
So small, wirey, and strong.
Walking on feet that appear to have circled the world.
Many with a baby on their back
And another growing within.

I wonder about them
And their lives.
The young ones 14, 15, 16
Stepping tentatively into this
Rush rush world of pregnancy and care.
Others of 22, 25, or 29 lifting shirts and lowering skirts
To reveal bellies marked
By the growth and birth of previous passengers.

I know these women from statistics.
These are the ones with anemia, malaria, HIV,
Living lives that would break me.

They smile at me.
Somehow trusting my hands to touch and care for them
Trusting me to care for the fragile life they carry within.

I place my hands on warm bellies
I press gently
And feel the outline of a back, a head, a bottom,
A foot kicking out resisting the pressure I create in its world.

I am here because of them,
Moms and babies.
I will do my best to ease burdens
And soften landings.
I will do my best to be worthy of their trust.
I am grateful to be in their world.