Different

Sometimes, instead, it looks like

Really craving mac and cheese

And ordering a salad

For the sixth day in a row;

Or like eating the same way

A day you run eight miles

And one you don’t leave the couch;

Or having to tell yourself

Over and over again

One workout a day’s enough;

Or like counting calories

You didn’t know that you know

All day long without trying;

Or like fighting to silence

The echo of the loved one

Who mocked you for your diet;

Or like eating carrot cake

And loathing yourself instead

Of savoring each sweet bite;

Or being jealous of a

Coworker who caught the flu

That kept them from food for days;

Or like being ashamed of

Praise from friends for good cooking

Because of the butter used;

How many of us wrestle

With messages packaged as

“Wellness” that cause massive harm?

So keep in mind it doesn't

Always look like fingers down

Your throat or starving yourself.

Sometimes it just looks different.

Each journey will be unique

And our bodies - every last

One are just simply splendid.