(available thru Three Rooms Press)


THE GREAT MILKY WAY 
 by Karen Hildebrand

I have many reports
on the miseries of the milkman,

daughter of dairy folk that I am. 

But the cows! The cows are lovely!

Holstein, Guernsey, 

Belarus Red. Uncle Vern

used to hook them up 

to machines that pulsed

the barn like a disco. Milk!
It's my happy place! Butter

churned from the froth!
Takes well to chocolate

and mama’s boys.
It’s the sweet bond of suckle

we wish we could return to.
In a bowl the Cheerios

always run out first.
Snow White, a shapely vixen,

bottled with a pleated cap
and wholesome as Nancy Drew.

“Farming is hard,” said Uncle Vern 

before he died. “Damn you,

Vern,” said his wife, after.
When he was sad, he ate

Wonder Bread soaked in milk 

from a glass with a spoon.