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

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

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

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.

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

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...

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

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

Karen Jones
Date: 3/27/2024 9:36:00 PM

Thanks for reading and for your empathy for them Daniel.

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 3/27/2024 4:59:00 PM

such a sad plight these women had all while doing something noble and loving. Shame on those who perpetrated such misuse and abuse!

Karen Jones
Date: 3/27/2024 5:47:00 PM

Agreed!