The Miracle Of Pain Poem by Elizabeth Padillo Olesen

The start of labour, a gasp of pain
like a terror from nowhere
then an interruption of relief
the same cycle that goes on
for hours or even for days.

Pain at every contraction
of the mother`s womb
airs out a groan, a biting of lips
or a screaming for God`s rescue
or mama`s help.

Then at the last push
when the water bag is finally broken,
and when the new life descends
from the birth canal, when the baby
is finally pulled out into the new world
of life from the great womb of peace,
giving out the innocent cries of fear,
the woman, she, a mother, rejoices
over the blessing of pain.

Pain with its beginning
has its reason, end and fruit
Pain is both a gift
and a miracle to the human will.