Natal (Poetry)

I would not have missed it
for the world — not this or any other
it might be possible to conceive of.
That moment of sublime pain —
the sheer triumph of it — the awesome knowledge
of achievement and completion.

Like a storm-battered boat brought safe to harbour
like a plane guided down to an emergency airstrip
the danger at last over
and the miraculous journey done.

So whatever came later —
all the tears and grieving
could never steal the moment from me.
A scar polished proud as any medal —
it remains mine to keep.