Hardened hands
Dirt encrusted
Wet and too dry
Tired and cracked
Reaching gently out
Nudging one kid
Away from the teat
Time for another
To have their treat
Mother tries to move away
Too many kids
Lifting up her legs
Cracked and dirty hands push away
“Only two at a time
Don’t o’erwhelm her.”
Gentle, but tired
The voice rings out
Tired arms reach down
Hefting up mewling kids
Cuddle three of the small ones
Quiet them and watch
As Mother feeds the other two
Calmer now she’s not rushed
Just another day.
Breathing In 