I’m reading The Red Tent and cried when I read the song sung by the midwives to the women in labor.

Fear Not

“Fear not, the time is coming
Fear not, your bones are strong
Fear not, help is nearby
Fear not, Gula* is nearby
Fear not, the baby is at the door
Fear not, he will live to bring you honor
Fear not, the hands of the midwife are clever
Fear not, the earth is beneath you
Fear not, we have water and salt
Fear not, little mother
Fear not, Mother of us all”

*Gula is the Babylonian goddess of healing, breath of life