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Razor Blades and Lollipops

Just Add Lemon

By Henri GouldingPublished 5 years ago 2 min read
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The taste of sugar on lollipops taste like sin.

Like razors that have been put in the place of sprinkles.

I knock my glass of water onto my barely touched plate of dinner.

It’s ruined I can’t eat it.

Mom has learned to stop giving me a bun when we have burgers.

I’m always doing something during dinner time.

“I’m getting a call, I’ll be right there.”

“I just have one more page and I’m done with this chapter.”

“I’m almost done this drawing.”

“I’m starving and I’m afraid if I get my plate of dinner right now I might actually eat it.”

I never said the latter.

After everyone has left the kitchen I have suddenly finished my task.

I look down at the plate that has been prepared for me.

Buttery corn, juicy burger patty, and salty fries.

I take each fry and brush off the salt, I am allowed eight fries.

I scoop half the amount of corn in my hands and hold it under the running water, washing off the butter.

I take three paper towels and squeeze the burger between them, every drop of grease and fat is gone, to the bare eye… I run the patty under cold water just to be sure.

I decide to eat in the kitchen tonight.

I don’t like hearing Mom cry while I eat what she knows I’ll soon throw up.

I mix a few tablespoons of lemon juice with my meal supplements.

They’re supposed to be made with milk, but that would taste so good. The sweet strawberry flavour and milk, strawberries and cream. My mouth salivates.

I pour the powdered nutrients in a blender, add water and lemon juice. I blend until there are no clumps, I bring a spoonful to my dry cracked lips and it tastes sweet, like ice cream on the beach with friends.

The beach?

I can’t fit into a bathing suit, everyone would point at the beached whale trying to get a tan.

I add more lemon.

This isn’t an experience I’m supposed to enjoy.

Just like how when I take pills, I let them set on my tongue for a few seconds. Let the bitter stretch and stick to every corner of my mouth.

Take sip after sip after sip of water trying to get the taste out of my mouth.

Before I know it, I’ve drunk two water bottles and my stomach is full and empty of calories.

I would write more

But I have to google how many calories are in Tylenol.

slam poetry
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