In this story by Patricia Grace, an indigenous New Zealand farmer’s wife describes the day’s events to her newborn baby. She begins by telling him how free and alive she felt upon waking that morning, and about her family’s chaotic farewell as they dropped her off at the hospital. She then describes her friendly banter with the nursing staff (she knows them well as this is the eighth baby she has had there!), and concludes with quiet time after the delivery bonding with and talking affectionately to the child. Themes include procreation, nurturing, motherhood, envy/resentment, struggle, contentment.
Between Earth and Sky Text / PDF (1,150 words)
The themes of procreation and nurturing are implied by the title which alludes to the primal couple in Māori mythology (the Earth Mother and Sky Father), from whom all life and existence has evolved.
The story mentions the tense relationship the woman has recently had with her husband. She tells the baby this was because of envy over his wholeness, strength, and ability to stride brightly over the fields as she struggled with the pregnancy, then glibly adds that she was able to “love him again” that morning. Though caring for such a large family can be challenging, she appears to be a devoted and content mother.