the pacifier
the alanticifier
The humidifier

it soothed and
mocked my shape

as a fever rang through you,
like an angry bell,
and you sucked that mother-hoax.

my breasts,
too hot and suffocating,
hardened, full of abandoned milk.

I tried to pluck it
from your mouth
when your eyelids
seemed still enough,

but your arms would
startle into reaching,
your jaw clamped
young and strong.

it had been years
since a breast hung above me,
heavy and desperate
for my mouth.

I imagined my momma,
lying on her side that first night,

teetered by so much milk
as I rolled her body
down to my ankles
and stepped into this world.

father told me
how she’d tease,
rubbing her nipple across
my lip until my head whipped
toward it.

she’d pull back and laugh
as I wagged my empty mouth,
rooting for her tough, sweet skin.

sometimes it wasn’t a nipple at all;
she’d graze my cheek with her
knuckle or a lousy finger,
haunting my dumb and helpless
little face. to remind herself
of my want.

that’s how I learned the difference
between women and mothers.

that’s when I knew
what I wanted to be.
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-7
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well written. wonderful.
þ
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powerful piece here!!!! Drm
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It's always a pleasure to get to read your work negitive seven. I applaud thee -Jesse
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Wonderful poetry! ms
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way to go, this one brought back some memories-such a trip, berastfeeding.....you really captured the intensity of the whole bizzare and beautiful experience.
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There is a lot here. The subject is rich and worth developing. i would only suggest that you pare it down. Find your clearest thoughts and best lines. This is really good. i would like to see a rewrite.
thanks...f