— poem inspired by the cruelty of dairy farming —

she says, there, there,

sweetheart, I know,

I know-

this is

your first time

I remember how

tough it was

and I know you want to see him-

your- your little one.

just try not to think too hard.

trust me-

I’ve done this

thrice before.

the water before- it

cleans us-

so when you feel the spray

close your eyes. expectation