Years ago the bigger girls used to whisper
and laugh, excluding you
their bags crammed with lipsticks and cigarettes
their full sweaters facing the other way
it hurt you not to hear
what they were saying
soon you will learn a secret said the old woman
larger than any bag can hold, an old
riotous tale of seduction and addiction
—motherhood! you yourself are going to whisper and laugh

Soon your waters will break said the dark red tulip
you will turn inside out
much as my bulb split open
in order to deliver me
up through packed dirt into fresh air and much as I
will ultimately reveal my inner secrets
by dying
plenty of pain for us all
but my dear you
are going to produce your own interior sweet bulb

Get ready said the dog
for smells different from any you have known
mysterious infant scalp smell belly smell
creamy shit smell dried milk smell
foot smell
the odors of your own body
will be different more fruity more ripe
your hands never have felt
anything delectable as a baby’s skin
enjoy the trance while it lasts.