Shifra, a Midwife

 

I am given a household because I defied an order.
I am given refuge because I chose life.

 

I lied to Pharaoh,
who said he is a god,
and I thrived and was given shelter.

 

I do not know the future.
I do not know what it means
that these people are more numerous in our land.
They were shepherds
and some of them were spies.
But I am choosing to belong with them.

 

Long ago I delivered a baby,
this one who now leads us.
I remember the girl, too,
the older sister running to get water
when I asked for it,
hiding her mother’s blood.

 

I was not good at hiding my thoughts
in those days, but I went with my daughter
before Pharaoh and he believed our story.

 

We know how to protect a child
from hostile eyes,
and there will be more deliveries on this journey.