And the midwife holds me in her arms and says
Yes it's hard isn't it you're doing so well

(And I am surfacing)

And she says you're doing it exactly right

(I'm drowning)

And she says you're taking such good care of your baby

(And I am surfacing)

And she says yes this is how it is you'll live you're good and strong

(I'm drowning)

And she says good good that's good

(And I am surfacing)

And part of me says f--- you I am dying here

(I'm drowning)

And part of me says oh my god I AM doing this aren't I

(And I am surfacing)

And part of me says LEAVE ME ALONE SAVE ME HELP ME

(I'm drowning)

And part of me says this is the most incredible thing I've ever done
I can't believe I'm actually doing this yes yes YES

(And I am surfacing)

And the baby comes in a long sea salt waterfall flood
ocean of sweat and tears and birth waters and blood
And I take her slippery warm wide eyed amazed and knowing little self against my Earth Mother created-and-moved-the-universe warm and billowy belly and tell her she's wonderful and safe
And I follow her with a red and glorious afterbirth
And I think I DID IT! I AM TOTALLY INCREDIBLE! WE WANT SOME PRIZES AND NEWS COVERAGE IN HERE! DID YOU SEE THAT? WAS THAT GREAT OR WHAT?!