While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping
I donned my uniform
Then doffed it again.
While you were sleeping
I held a hand
And mopped a brow.
While you were sleeping
I cradled new life
And watched it grow.
While you were sleeping
I made tea and toast
And found paracetamol.
While you were sleeping
I washed and gelled my hands
Until they threatened to bleed.
While you were sleeping
I wondered how long
The PPE would last.
While you were sleeping
I said goodbye to my babies
To keep them out of harm’s way.
While you were sleeping
I wrapped my dark humour
Around me like a cloak.
While you were sleeping
I cared for your kin
And loved them wholeheartedly.
While you were sleeping
I loved a baby
Who would never go home.
While you were sleeping
I cried tears
Of loneliness, frustration, fear.
While you were sleeping
I stood shoulder to shoulder
With colleagues, friends, family.
While you were sleeping
I laid awake
And thought of my loved ones.
While you were sleeping
I prayed you stayed home
Unless absolutely necessary.
While you were sleeping
I felt cold, hungry, tired
Yet loved, respected, loved some more.
While you were sleeping
I took stock and saw
The tired women around me.
While you were sleeping
I gazed upon the faces
of the people I loved the most.
While you were sleeping
I dreamt of a break
A rest, a reprieve, not more.
While you were sleeping
I held it together
Because I didn’t want you to worry.
While you were sleeping
I stood on the frontline
And stared down the barrel of the gun.
While you were sleeping
I questioned my life choices
And decided they were hard, but right.
While you were sleeping
I stood, saw, conquered, risked
And then I risked some more.
While you are sleeping
While you are awake
While you are you
I am a midwife
We will carry on
For you
