Labour of Love

By Sabeeha Banu

A herd of healers sharpening their gear

Examining the expectant mother with a diligent glare

A shadowless lamp lit overhead in the chamber

A few assessments followed thereafter

Straightened up the life-bearer to inject

Numb a chunk of flesh before the deep cut

A damsel in white sighs in relief

Watching the jab taking its course

Alas, the dose couldn’t deprive feelings in bloom

The heart bled red with the cut in the womb

Harsh shivers didn’t bother much

Ears longed to hear the cry

 And sense the touch

...Every pain and every wait - worth my bairn.

By Sabeeha Banu