In this prelingual state
I am jungle gym
and pillow.
In picture books
I learn that a bear cub
nurses while its mother
hibernates, that whales
and dolphins swim
and suck.
You cling to your
meal ticket, like
a monkey infant.
Cling and climb.
Climb and swing.
At night, you turn
heat seeking
missile, latch
on, eyes closed.
Foal, puggle, calf,
piglet, cub, kitten,
joey, or pup – your kin.
Nap-nursing on my
lap, you’ve made
a mammal out of me.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoy Raising Mothers, please consider making a one-time or recurring contribution to help us remain ad-free. If even a fraction of subscribers signed up to contribute $1 per month, Raising Mothers could be self-sustaining!