Amber Hatch has just given birth to Morrigan Ellen Ogg, who was the inspiration for this poem. She was born in water at home on 31st March. When not cuddling her baby, Amber is writing a novel which deals with psychological responses to climate change. She is starting a PhD in Creative Writing in October. She lives in Marston with her husband, baby, cat and two chickens.

You can take anything you want.

Whatever you  think is worth saving.

The best bits of humanity, he says.

That's easy, I say, stroking my belly.
I'd take my baby.

But what would she take, my baby?

A tummy to curl up in -
And later - a breast.
Somewhere warm to sleep,
Though skin on skin should do.

She'll poo, of course.
But I can wash that away.
She won't mind the water:
She's been used to the wet.
 What else?

A dummy?
A car seat slash carry-cot?
A three-wheeler, off-roader, deluxe suspension travel system?

baby bouncer changing mat
high chair stair gate long range
closed circuit two-way talk monitors

How big is this boat?

My baby hasn't read
The top-ten list of essentials

She thinks the best bits of humanity
Come from inside.