Hunger

The delightful medium between ravenous and peckish

The little minnows coursing through my belly

Yes, they do bite but it’s a mere nuisance

The toxic balloonfish in my brain is the true peril

100 minnows still the balloonfish again and again

Till one day the minnows, gills pale and eyes yellowing, surrender

The balloonfish continues to puff up and emit poison

The minnows fuse together till they’re another balloonfish

Now I am attacked by what once was my saving grace

I rise from my hospital bed, slowly as to prevent lightheadedness

I pick up my utensils and get ready for a bite

But I gag before the spoon connects with my lips

I stare at the timer ticking down, paralyzed

I hear a sigh and then “Chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla?”

“Chocolate,” I croak as my tongue laps up the tear rolling down my face

Salt, at last! my body rejoices