Traveling down the birth canal
I come head first
Unaware of my destination
Only knowing,
My body becomes suddenly cold
A feeling I have never felt before

For nine months
I have been growing and developing
Within the safe warm cocoon of
My mother’s womb
Now I have plunged
Into a world
I have never known
Now I am not in the dark anymore
Light is all around me
Opening my eyes
I try to see what is in this new place
That is alive with voices and sounds,
I have only heard faintly
Before my arrival

I feel new sensations
Upon my skin
As people in white wash me,
Dry me, and wrap me tightly

I am screaming, afraid
Not knowing, what will be my fate?
Then someone who now holds me
Places me within my mother’s arms
Her scent is familiar
Her voice assuring
I stop crying
I look into her eyes
And I know I am right here where
I belong.