sreshtha srivastava Poet Rhyme

starve

I look at the banquet laid before me
a table groaning under the weight of dishes
different types and textures, all just there
A perfect platter someone wishes
It's exhausting, it's nauseous.
the sight of endless dishes, someone's dream
just lying there, on the table
looking me in the eyes, daring me to scream
Scream at it, show my vulnerability
Lie beneath its mercy, helpless.
Fear mirrored in my stare.
leaving me a cowardly stained mess
It laughs at me as it looks at my face.
shameful, with disgust and pity
How can someone fear the elixir of life?
the only reason for every living soul in the city
The mere thought of the fuel of the body
Food, the reason for sustenance
makes me drop to my knees, crying
begging, scared of the consequences
Am I that weak? To be scared of something so routine?
something so…ordinary? So mundane?
Or am I just too big a mess to ever admit
Admit that this is always going to be vain.
This quiet horror of hunger is always going to pull me towards it.
No matter how fast I run, how strong I push, how hard I cry
How long I struggle, however much I try to loosen myself.
Its grip tightens, choking me, killing me, eyes dry
I'm helpless, no escape
Crying, but there is no sound coming out of my mouth.
It's there on the plate, staring, tightening even further.
My eyes are dry of tears as life leaks out
How should I escape, how should I run?
go.GO.GO. I scream to myself, but it's worthless.
I'm strangled, too tired to fight.
I sink in its grasp, eyes closed with defeat.
Sleep finds me, cruel yet complete.
This horror is a part of me.
etched too deeply in me to get out of its cruelty
And what was meant to be eaten eats the life out of me.
I, an empty vessel, sink beneath its endless duality.

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Ghairo Daniels November 30, 2025 at 3:33 AM Wow ! A very unusual poem & perspective on food, hunger & disorder. Very powerful, Sreshtha. Last two lines are awesome. ThkU for this offering. Blessings from South Africa to India, Ghairo.

Mark Toney November 1, 2025 at 2:17 PM Sreshtha, “starve” is a powerful portrayal of the fear and shame experienced by those struggling with eating disorders. “Food, the reason for sustenance makes me drop to my knees, crying begging, scared of the consequences.” “And what was meant to be eaten eats the life out of me.” Congratulations on your top 10 win on Mile 25 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 26 has already started. Only 1 mile to go before the Qualifiers’ Final Placement contest!