Pregnant, we know god,
this presence inside us
which protects us
yet makes us
vulnerable.

My baby
flowed out around me
protecting me
in her own radiance
for nine whole months.

I was never alone.
I did not fear death.
The baby within
& the spirit without
were one,
& I was at peace.

Then she was born,
& fear reclaimed me.

Erica, Erica,
don't you know
that if you can create
a baby, you can also create god?
& if god can bloom
a baby in your belly
then She
must be
with you always?

© Erica Mann Jong

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