Pocrescophobia

A number is just a number,

Which is a popular belief.

Simple as that –

         Yet when you saw a different number

         on the scale – it changes everything.

How did this happen?

Am I eating too much?

You enjoyed the spices, sweet

         and savory taste that lingered

         on your tongue.

         The taste buds have a life of their own

and dance.

You used to be at peace and my mind only

         focused on how good food tastes.

Yet, why does this number

disgust you? A few pounds

heavier with a stomach with

large legs and thighs.

Whenever you go out,

         You can’t help but stare

         at your body in the reflection in

         windows.

You brush it off with admiration and

“self love” speeches.

That should help! Weight is just a number-

FAT

The word leap frogs into your mind.

         You glance at your new form

         and hear the sharp whispers inside

         of you.

Grotesque

It is unfortunate how our relationship

         with food and oneself change.

Thank you to Hazel Koritzer for their inspired edit on this piece and everyone else on the Mental Health team.

If you are interested in submitting a piece to the DG Sentinel, please visit our submissions page here.

Yuvoice uplifts diverse voices around the world. We focus on perspectives of real people living through history and how Planet Earth looks through their eyes. We never necessarily endorse, promote, or agree with the pieces we publish. We want to showcase viewpoints of all types. Please check out our Statement of Global Progress for further information on our stance. And if you’ve enjoyed this piece, please drop a comment and support the author!