Bag Lady: Haikus on Lactating at a Conference
1. Madela Pump N Save baggies
5 ounces apiece
cool, nestled among ice cubes
my weepy lunch breaks
2. One-quart sized ziploc storage bags
“can I have some ice?”
“whaddaya need that for?…oh…”
portable coolant
3. zippered, waterproof tote bag
Unthinkably, I’ve
spilled some milk while tucking in
pump parts. it pools, beads
can i suck it up?
i think, desperate to claim
every priceless drop
4. Rolling suitcase, brown
constant companion
this steamer trunk with bags
for 3 days’ milking
5. Blue insulated lunch bag
once used for lunches
this cooler holds liquid food
for my far-off babe
6. My bosom
in college, a boy
called them “fun bags.” weeping cream
they now burst, veined rocks
7. Bag lady
I stagger through halls
laden with bags, weight of guilt
heavy with milk that
won’t go away just
because I have work to do.
I pump. I carry home.
Tags: breastfeeding
