Andy Goldsworthy Oak Room

Ascension by Leslie B. Patient

I wonder if we, as infants,

fear birth with the same intensity

that we, as adults,

fear death

enveloped in the safety, comfort

of the womb

might an infant scream at birth

so vehemently

because being ripped from this

amniotic haven

feels like death.

But to approach the light

to climb those stairs

from whose bourn no traveller returns

Maybe our fears of leaving this

earthly realm

would be appeased

if we knew, like birth

the harsh light leading us out of sanctuary

brings us second birth

in a world yet unknown

but no less amazing

than where we are right now.