The Hungry Mother

Notes from Sunderban
2018

The road is dotted with begging street dogs. You must be careful when feeding one, because many others may encircle you and begin fighting amongst each other. One rubs her nose against the hand of people passing by- they startle and pull away, never knowing how wild a dog may be. She goes to my partner’s hand, who also pulls away with a deep sound to push her back. She runs off and, moments later, returns with two nursing pups trying to keep up while remaining latched onto her nipples. This mother was hungry and begging for food to feed a new family. Everyone had turned her away until she provided the proof.