sharing

[e_phemerart]

I'm more than a bit too biased to give a literary critique, but I wanted to share a poem my daughter's boyfriend Ken wrote.
As a mother, it moved me. As Hannah's mother, it made me feel happy and hopeful about the sort of family she and Ken will be for their son Desmond. (how could I not be impressed by a young man who has actually embraced the responsibility of parenthood, has gone to every doctor's appointment and prenatal class with Hannah, and then writes poetry about it?) :)


NOTES FROM BREASTFEEDING CLASS by Ken Lovett

Newborns can't see past bout a foot.

Perfect for bonding during breastfeeding.

Six months is perfect,

suckling provides immunity.

Colostrum, transitional, maturity

of the milk and honey,

Oh how bountiful;

no more shall he sit

beneath the waterfall wondering.

Areola, treasure my son,

send him visions

to the ducts of Alveoli.

Supply and demand of the breast-cycle,

let him pull and relax,

suckle then smile

and begin again.



Immediate skin to skin,

hear, baby, that heartbeat

you've been drumming for months.

Keeps him warm, helps save calories.

Position yourself to your liking,

you are allowed, mother, to be comfortable.

If you can't hear the suckle

then it won't be painful.

Tummy to tummy,

nose to nipple,

mouth open wide.