Diet Demons

Day 30: "In his poem, “Angels,” Russell Edson speaks of spiritual warrior-messenger-guardians as if they were a type of endangered animal. Today, try writing your own poem that discusses a real or mythical being with the same sort of musing yet dispassionate tone."

I've just had a conversation with my daughter about the demons that haunt you during intentional weight loss. We've both spent years trying to rid ourselves of negative self- talk,  but they still creep in when you least expect it.  

It's a bit of a negative way to end this year's NaPoWriMo but it does provide a bookend on the same theme as it started - dieting! 


Diet Demons

They lurk in patient exile
Biding their time to weedle in
At the first signs of self doubt.

Sneers peer over your shoulder
As you step on the scales,
Whispering fear in your ear.

Each cinch of your belt
Innocently questions the buckle:  
Will the prong reach its usual hole?

Greet your reflection with a smile
And they will cut you down to size 
Before confidence can push them aside.

Diet demons have long incubation,
Stone-built to withstand erosion.
They may shrivel, but never die.


© Copyright 2026. Chris Auger. All Rights Reserved.





 

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