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A HUNGER UNFED

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(Picture of poetess when she was a hungry, starving soul (1979)-Thankfully after years of fitting the obesity battle, I (with God's help) won the battle with gluttony)

March 24, 2024-A Hunger Unfed

"This or That Poetry Contest," Edward Ibeh, sponsor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I am a hungry soul starving for more— I am an insatiable appetite craving something. I am an emptiness, a void with a permanent hunger for something intangible deep inside. I am a hungry soul who eats, and eats, and mindlessly eats again, eating until I am overweight. My middle name is Gluttony, a malignancy that brings me heartache and pain. I am a hungry soul who stuffs down an entire cake, feeling fed momentarily, a temporary fix. But my hunger returns. Always returns. And so does Guilt Shame Disgust. I am a hungry soul on a frantic journey to an empty garden where food is my idol; the kitchen is my temple, and my full stomach is spiritual fulfillment. I am a hungry soul with a hollow deep within, hunger’s grip, taking its toll. More than food, I have a yearning keen, searching for fulfillment in spaces unseen.

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David Crandall

Date: 4/8/2024 8:10:00 PM

Great poem Sara. I feel like I could relate to this even though I'm lucky with my metabolism. I've found myself staring into the refrigerator, feeling like somehow, I expect to find a food that contains the meaning of the universe, everything I'm missing, and I will be somehow satisfied if I eat it. I don't get heavy, but I eat until my stomach hurts, and I say, why did I do that? Great poem!

Edward Ibeh

Date: 4/8/2024 8:04:00 PM

Heartiest congratulations on your win in my contest with this powerful, beautiful poem, Sara. Enjoyed.

Bill Baker

Date: 3/28/2024 6:01:00 PM

Deep and powerful poetry, Sara. Thanks for sharing your miraculous journey with us in such exacting details and imagery. I hope it is an encouragement to others as it was to me. You are an amazing human being. The world is a better place because you are a part of it. Love, Bill

Malabika Ray Choudhury

Date: 3/25/2024 5:14:00 AM

Dear Sara, all of your poems carry profound thoughts - this one is really powerful. You have shown perfectly well how poetry can be used to express frustration, disgust, guilt - addressing a debilitating disease which cripples body and mind. Bravo, Dear Poetess.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/25/2024 7:09:00 AM

thank you, Malabika, for your mindful and kind comments. Your words both encouraged and supported me. I'm grateful you see the profundity in most of my poems (especially those of late) :-) Appreciate the Bravo. Have a pleasant day, hugs, Sara

Tonye George

Date: 3/24/2024 7:02:00 PM

The changes we make in life stir us to more growth and knowledge. Thank you for this lovely sincere poem. Nothing negative defines us, we soar above it because that is exactly who we are, eagles. Cheers Sara.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/25/2024 7:07:00 AM

such insightful and profound words, Tonye. Thanks for sharing those. I agree, nothing negative defines us as long as we don't allow it to do so. Any of us are capable of rising above most anything. I appreciate your visits, for they're uplifting and insightful. Enjoy your day, Sara

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 3/24/2024 6:08:00 PM

Dear Sara, I loved the raw honesty and vulnerability you expressed about the insatiable hunger for something intangible. It's a powerful showing the complexities of human desire and the emptiness that can accompany it. I loved your words for they beautifully captured the cycle of consumption, guilt, and longing for true fulfillment. Sara, what a profound piece of introspection. - Blessings, Daniel

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/24/2024 6:17:00 PM

thank you, Daniel, for your visit and comments. You 'got' the depth of my words as well as the honesty and vulnerability. I thought a long time before posting this poem because I did feel twinges of vulnerability. You're right the cycle of consumption whilst seeking fulfillment is a challenge. I knew you'd understand the addiction. I appreciate your insights and your always in depth comments. You're a positive addition to Poetry Soup. Have a blessed evening, Sara

Regina Elliott

Date: 3/24/2024 2:40:00 PM

I also knew the pain of an eating disorder. In 1983 I had anorexia, and with God's help, overcame it. You've written so eloquently and shared a painful experience, Sara. With the Lord's help, you overcame. God's bounty of love for you. ~

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/24/2024 6:06:00 PM

thanks for sharing your experience with anorexia. I'm delighted to read that you overcame what came be devasting to one's physical and mental health. Hats off to you. Thanks for your bountiful wishes. Hugs and blessings, Sara

Peter Dome

Date: 3/24/2024 2:04:00 PM

What a beautiful written and insightful write. There must be millions out there, who feel the same and can relate to it. showing.an amount of understanding. Hope you won the contest. Exceptionally well written. I'm in awe of your talent. Enjoyed it. Well it's time for another cookie, can't leave a full jar. Pete.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/24/2024 6:05:00 PM

thank you, Peter, for 'following' me and for your visit today. I appreciate your positive feedback. I, too, believe many can relate to the cycle of obesity. Thanks for your well wishes with the contest and your kind words about my talent. Time for me to have my nightly dose of chocolate (a bit out of a Hershey's chocolate bar :-) Have a great week, kind sir. Sara

Tom Cunningham

Date: 3/24/2024 1:06:00 PM

Well you certainly won the battle Sara, well done. It doesn't help that food companies put in addictive additives to increase sales. I started intermittent fasting before my op and managed to lose two stone, clothes that I'd put away now fit. Im still on it now allowing myself the odd treat keeps me going. Tom

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/24/2024 6:02:00 PM

thanks for your kind words, Tom. Yes, all the addictive additives, especially sugar, create an almost never-ending cycle for some. I'm glad to hear that intermittent fasting before your surgery was successful. I did the same thing before I had rotator cuff surgery. During recovery and physical therapy, the doctor even said, "You could put on a little weight." I guess I went too far in the other direction. I appreciate your visit and your sharing. Have a great week ahead, Sara

Jay Narain

Date: 3/24/2024 11:19:00 AM

Contrasting impulses of hunger. It is nice to skip the sweet weight gaining food and contribute that money to feed hungry and starving masses.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/24/2024 6:00:00 PM

I agree...a good idea, Jay. Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your week ahead, Sara

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 3/24/2024 10:05:00 AM

Wow and double wow. I understand and have had to fight the urge to eat too much at times. My weight sometimes silences my confidence and I can see how this is a unfed hunger indeed. Beautifully done and so amazing that you added your personal touch. You, my dear, were lovely despite being overweight and you look very much like someone I would relate well to. God bless you and much love, Gina

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/24/2024 5:59:00 PM

ahhh, your words deeply touched me, Gina. I've felt a connection to you since the beginning and now I can see why. Weight can definitely silence one's confidence. Know you're a beautiful soul with a lovely heart and gracious spirit...plus you're an incredibly creative poet. Thanks for your visit and for your kind and mindful comments. Have a blessed evening, hugs and prayers, Sara

Paul Bell

Date: 3/24/2024 9:55:00 AM

Food like drugs, they're vices that boost us up. But to stay up you have to keep taking them, and that's the downfall. I remember when McDonald's started opening up in China. I think it took a couple of years before the Government held a state of emergency over the obesity of the kids.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/24/2024 5:57:00 PM

thanks for stopping by, Paul, and for sharing the information about the obesity in China. Wasn't aware. Food was my drug of choice...most definitely. Have a great week ahead, Sara

Silent One

Date: 3/24/2024 7:43:00 AM

An excellent idea for this contest and you have personified it highlights what someone will go through and become obese, how sad that these people are judged and mocked.. Best of luck in the contest..

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/24/2024 5:56:00 PM

thanks for your positive input regarding my poem. Having been obese, I know first hand the mockery and judgment. It strengthened me and eventually led to my conquering obesity. Thanks for your well wishes. have a splendid week ahead, Sara

Tom Woody

Date: 3/24/2024 6:09:00 AM

Awesome personification Sara. I immediately thought of the character Kate on the TV show - This is us. She was utterly obsessed with her eating and weight problem. I've never had an issue but my mom was heavy all her life. Have a great Sunday

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 3/24/2024 5:55:00 PM

thanks for stopping by, Tom. I can see the connect to the Kate character. I used to watch that show but seeing her made me uncomfortable, reminding my of my days of obesity. I topped out at 298 pounds before I finally realized I was addicted to food. Enjoy your week ahead, Sara