The Woman
The speaker of the poem is a woman addressing her partner. The title and lack of specific personal details make this poem applicable to all humans, meaning that the speaker represents all women. This speaker is fascinated by the creation of human life that results from the sexual act. She exhibits her amazement through vivid descriptions and metaphors. At the end of the poem, the woman feels fear, presumably because the labor of birth has begun.
The Man
In the poem, the speaker addresses her male partner as she describes the creation of life resulting from their sexual encounter. The man is referred to by the familiar pronoun "you," but he stands in for all men. At the end of the poem, the speaker asks for the man to hold her, as she feels afraid. Earlier, the man's strength is exhibited, which puts him in the role of protector and supporter for the woman as she experiences pregnancy and birth.
The Future Child
As a result of the sexual encounter between the man and the woman, a child is conceived. It is not yet a child with a face and a name, but it is still intimately known to the couple. This conception causes the speaker to reflect on the infinitely complex, even divine aspects of the genesis of human life.
