Visitation - Rainer Maria Rilke (trans. Annemarie S. Kidder)

 It was still easy for her in the beginning,

only when climbing she would

be aware of her heavy womb, -

and then she stood, breathing,

on the Jewish mountains. But not the land

spread about her, but her fullness; and

while walking she knew: nowhere

was there such fullness as hers.

And she felt compelled to feel with her hand

the womb of hers who was further along.

Toward each other they swayingly stepped

and caressed the dress and hair.

Each woman was filled with sacred life

and safe and at ease with the relative.

And though the savior was hardly in bloom,

the Baptist in the cousin's womb

already jumped for joy,