Poem

  



See the whole of me, not just what I show,

There are stories beneath that you may not know.

A life that has trembled, a heart that’s been torn,

But here I stand waiting bruised, yet reborn.

When I come for my checks and I sit in your chair,

Please notice my silence, the weight in the air.

Speak with calm, explain what you’ll do,

It takes a world of courage to be here with you.

Before you reach out, please ask, please wait,

Your kindness can open or close that gate.

Your words are a bridge that can steady my fear,

And make me believe I am safe right here.

When labour begins and the room starts to spin,

Your tone is the anchor that holds me within.

Tell me the plan, help me to choose,

Each choice you give me is power I use.

Stay by my side, steady and true,

Your presence says more than words could do.

When pain takes my voice, your patience is gold,

You keep me grounded when memories unfold.

Now the birth is behind, but my mind’s not still,

My body is aching, my thoughts can spill.

You notice the tremor that hides in my tone,

You remind me I’m healing 

I’m never alone.

You check more than wounds, you listen to heart,

You see that recovery is both body and art.

You teach with compassion, you answer with care,

You show me my strength was already there.

For healing takes time, it’s messy, it’s real,

It grows in the space where compassion can heal.

So see the whole woman, not just the pain,

And help her to trust in her body again.

Because midwives like you, who listen and stay,

Can turn fear into safety, and light the way.


By Raya Norton

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