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April 14, 2007

Floating Downstream

First fluid
Flows in subtle stream
then
Gushes in sudden drench
Soaking, saturating,
Precipitating
Inevitability.
No longer cushioned
Slick sliding forward
Following the rich river
Downstream

The smell of birth
Clings to shoes, clothes, hands
As soaked in soupy brine
 I reach to embrace new life
Sliding toward me.
I too was caught once;
Three times emptied into other hands
My babies wet on my chest
Their slippery skin
Under my lips
Salty sweet

In a moment's scent
The rush of life returns;
Now only barn birthings
Yet still as sweet and rich.
I carry the smell of damp foal fur
With me all day to
Recall from whence I came.
I floated once
And will float someday again.

Emily Gibson
Full time mom, full time farmer, part time family doc
emily@briarcroft.com