Madonna del Parto
by Joan Z. Shore
(After Piero della Francesca’s fresco)
My name is Miryam.
I have been married young, too young.
My life was very simple, sweet, and mild.
And now I am with child.
I don’t know how it came.
My husband cares for me, works hard;
He loves me quietly, he holds my hand….
We cannot understand.
I am not ready, I’m afraid.
This life within me frightens me, it stirs
Incessantly, demanding to be born.
My flesh is torn.
I must be strong.
Dear Yossef, too, must bear this pain;
Must help me raise this child, this precious jewel.
The world is cruel.