by Robert Rivers, Janesville

The one skilled in the rhythm
of the science, the culture, the feeling,
the subtlety and paths,
the soul friendship,
which makes way
for a birth
proper and nurtured,
graceful and human.
This is the midwife.

Ancient, but never lost;
also new to a people
thirsting for healing and meaning;
the midwife is called
to this world,
to this time.
The earth takes a breath
when the labor begins;
a breath nourished
by the midwife’s knowing care.
The earth releases a breath
as a dream of being;
a person;
a freshness;
and says to the midwife
in her agile way,
“Thank you.  You have done much.”