My father told me
that first time
she dismissed everyone,
even the midwife,
called for him instead.
I’ll never manage
to give birth around Mama.
Sweetheart, help me.

So he slid his arms
beneath hers,
raised her slightly
from the bed, and my sister
was born as they conceived her:
from love’s embrace.

My father taught me in travail
cleave to one another,
trust. Let yourself
be lifted