Mama’s Children

Bleary-eyed Mama peels 

creased cheek from 

tear-soaked pillow

simultaneously shushing the child 

inside and outside herself until 

one of them is satiated by the breast

she empties

into its eager mouth 

all the while

wishing there was

someone 

from whom she could

make lusty demands 

Because

like baby 

Mama needs someone 

she can

trust

to nourish her.

Mama traces circles gently

on her baby’s

back

until bubbles of

air come up

and out

all the while

wishing there was 

someone

to coax the painful things

secretly hidden

deep within

her

into the open so the

discomfort she lives

with can be

released.

Mama shifts her baby

kissing

the tender head

wishing there was

someone

she could reveal all the soft

vulnerable places of herself

to

knowing that someone would

love her more for knowing

Mama needs extra care in

the places

 where she isn’t finished

yet.

Mama opens the diaper

wrinkling her nose

at the smell

yet wishing there was

someone

who acknowledged 

but didn’t turn away

or shame her for

the less pleasant parts

of her

that need

to be wiped clean, aired out, 

changed.

and like Mama

that someone would have to 

do it again and again

until she

grows.

Mama wraps her baby 

tightly

wishing there was

someone

with whom she could

feel warm,

secure, loved

and

that someone

would keep her safe

Because

like baby Mama feels

scared and alone

sometimes.

Mama moves slow

through the house 

silent

mentally calculating

when baby will need her next

until

the child she pushed aside

inside begins to

whimper.

Mama falls 

on the dry pillow

and allows the child to 

wet it again.

- Vera Patterson