Eat This

Little girls like

little birds

open pink mouths

and peep

because we need to eat

We need

someone's hands to feed us

to keep us and

You have to believe

the ones who feed you

and so you believe

You believe

what they feed

and they feed

and they squeeze

and they tease

You remember all the names

They say you're fat

and stupid

and worthless

They criticize

and minimize

they feed you lies

and you swallow their words

even though they burn

even though they hurt

And is it any wonder

that girls are dying

from eating disorders

that we stick our fingers

down our pink throats

and vomit up

the poison

that makes our stomachs churn

that we clamp our mouths closed

and finally say no

This body belongs to me

and I'd rather see it starve

than swallow the shit

that you give me

I'm hungry

but I can't eat from your hands

anymore

My mouth is sore

from trying to lick an empty spoon

to find sustenance

and getting a hand slapped

across my face

Scolded

Told you're too needy

Too greedy

When really all I wanted

was someone to

feed me.

submitted for Poetry Jam, The Sound of Music

This is how it should be: Corrine Bailey Rae-Put Your Records On