Karen Jones | + Follow Poet |
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Wet Nurse

Women who worked as 
Enslaved wet nurse
Treated like cattle often worse

Never allowed to eat well
Unfortunately her body breast swell
Raped in spirit, mind, and body
Suckling masters infant
Even before her own baby

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Gershon Wolf Date: 3/31/2024 8:04:00 PM Thank you for the education, Karen. Hard to stomach that there has ever existed such a fraught occupation as a 'wet nurse.' The temptations for abuse are just too great... Thanks for the education and the arousal, Gershon Login to Reply Karen Jones Date: 4/1/2024 12:21:00 AM Gershon thanks for your empathy and support.

Sotto Poet Date: 3/30/2024 3:54:00 PM Karen, I applaud you for shedding light on the horrible reality of the enslavement of wet nurses and the unspeakable abuse and exploitation they faced. You have brought to light, via your writing, the systemic oppression that women face today. Login to Reply Karen Jones Date: 3/30/2024 6:44:00 PM I appreciate your words Sotto! Thank you!

Tom Woody Date: 3/30/2024 3:04:00 PM Better a wet nurse than a dry one I always say. Seriously though, abuse is never a good thing. Poignant piece Karen Login to Reply Karen Jones Date: 3/30/2024 6:43:00 PM Thanks Tom!

Silent One Date: 3/28/2024 12:03:00 PM This is horrific... and it happens so much.. and it happened a lot during slavery.. isnt it ironic how a nations forgets their crimes but points fingers at others? Jus sayin... Login to Reply Karen Jones Date: 3/28/2024 12:27:00 PM Agreed

Hilda Greenhough Date: 3/27/2024 9:53:00 PM This is a good way to tell this story in a poem. I believe I've heard that plantation masters were always going to church. Hypocrites. I wish everyone was fair and respectful to each other. A fav Login to Reply Karen Jones Date: 3/27/2024 10:07:00 PM Hilda I agree they were terrible hypocrites! My heart breaks for the poor women wet nurses. They had such a hard life. I am honored you fav this!

Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/27/2024 8:24:00 PM Dear Karen, I applaud you on how this sheds light on a harrowing reality, where enslaved wet nurses endured unspeakable cruelty and exploitation. It exposes the systemic injustices faced by women, whose bodies were commodified and abused. Your words honor their untold stories and advocate for recognition of their pain and resilience. - Blessings, my friend, Daniel Login to Reply Karen Jones Date: 3/27/2024 9:36:00 PM Thanks for reading and for your empathy for them Daniel.