With Child

NEW LIFE

WITH CHILD

Ah, I am heavy now and patient,

Moving as the dumb, tamed animals move, ploddingly,

Burdened, burdened ;

Knowing ahead of me the iron pain-yet am I dumb and

patient.

A stillness is thick and heavy upon me . . .

Waiting . . .

Inevitably you unfold within me.

Sudden I am smitten with terror-

How shall I carry the burden of a soul!