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Cup 23:  Giving Birth

 

 

The contractions come in waves, a letter to Congress, then relaxation.

 

Another contraction: a protest, signs, chants, pink hats.

 

Then respite, ice chips, a back rub.

 

A harder contraction: tear gas, clubs, pepper spray.

 

Sinking back, less time to recover

 

Another contraction: tanks, riot gear.

 

The baby’s head at the cervix, forewaters bulging

 

A tentative push, the streets are flooded

 

Maybe you are thinking it must be finished, maybe you never had a baby before,

you don’t know

 

The labia stretch and burn: slow down, slow down!

 

No one can stop a baby

 

but who will catch her?

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