Life and all its messy particulars

I remember the knowing
And not simply suspecting
I saw it on the men's faces
The bewilderment
The terror
The realization we were not up to the task
It was a birthing class
Monumental, to be sure
But it was only the first
Of many more opportunities
I find it ironic, but instructive
The words of the teacher
>> Two things to remember
>> Relax and
>> Breathe
She stated very calmly
With a child at her breast
This thing happens
Every day
You can do this
Just remember
Relax
And breathe
Now, I am reminded of my favorite maxim
I heard it delivered in jest
>> It is hard to remember
>> Your primary mission
>> Was to drain the swamp
>> When you are up to your ass
>> In alligators
No matter how silly
It is true
We forget
We tense
We hold our breathe
We wear ourselves weary
With worry and doubt
Our fears overwhelm us
Just like the teacher said
Birth is hard work
The baby has to come out
And so it is
Who we are
Who we will be
Who we must be
Demands to be born
It is hard work
It will hurt
Just remember
Relax
And breathe

dg

11/13/11


Sent from my iPad
http://jdavidgamble.blogspot.com/

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