Mother’s Milk

When I hold you close
and give you that plastic bottle
because you reject
the warm and willing breast,
I look in your eyes
and I hope you never
have to pump milk
for your babies.

When I hold you close
after your belly is full
and you relax against me
in dreamy warm sleep
and I nuzzle your hair
and sniff your head
I know I’m doing a good thing.

When I look at your round face
and chubby thighs,
I know it is because of
my milk you are so healthy,
and that makes it worth
the pain it causes to get
each precious drop
of mother’s milk.