Doula – A poem by Paula Cleary

I hold space for
leaps of faith
tears fears
hopes
sadness
laughter
joy
surprises
confusion
doubt
evolution
disbelief dreams
delight
&
going with the flow

I am witness
Space holder
Sanctuary guardian
Gatekeeper
Hand holder
Deep listener
Comfort bringer
Body whisperer
Doing nothinger
Counselor
Dreamweaver
Sympathiser
Mirror
Seer
Alchemist
Seeker of truth
En-courager
Go-between
Time traveller
Reminder
Restorer of ritual
Believer

Sometimes I sit on my hands
And sometimes they are busy busy serving
With love
Tending
Stroking
Wiping
Carrying
Holding
Squeezing
Making
Showing
Supporting

I witness you give birth to your new self
To your baby
To everything you’ve been waiting for
The setting sun on yesterday and the dawn of a new day

I share little stories
To let you know
YOU ARE NOT ALONE

I bring love
I bring hope
I bring loving touch
And I weep with you
When they steal your power
And overwhelm us all
Closing in like an iron fist

I weep with you
I stand with you
I howl with you
I fight for you
In whatever small ways I can
I love and care for you

I am your doula.