When did guilt obviate
the need for sustenance?
This deipnophobia paralyzing
heartless stares dredge up
my truth: insatiable hunger
need to stuff down emotion
the certainty that I deserved
the abuse – endless shame
My fork traces the outlines
separates food groups
My mind makes mental notes
of what I’ll gorge on later.
(Deipnophobia is the fear of dining in public. I watched my older sister avoid eating when with others, and then gorge afterwards. I had not known there was a term for it until I came across this prompt. Image my own.)
“My fork separates food groups” !!
I like that
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Lol. Thanks.
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I was not aware of this term. Sometimes, the phobia arises because of the guilt that others try to induce with their sarcastic smiles and sharp looks.
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So true, Reena.
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Amazing poem — “Deipnophobia” — wow. Same as you, did not know there was a term. I have one friend who does the same, or must, I believe, based on obvious physical indicators. I think I also used to do this as a teen, but to a much milder extent.
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Thanks. Eating disorders are so prevalent, aren’t they.
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Defintely. Side effect of our culture of excess maybe… xoxo
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And the pressure to be something we are not.
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Yes!! That too!!
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“the need to stuff down emotion” I wonder if we are the only species that has this need?? Excellent write.
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I’m sure we are. thanks
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You’re welcome.
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O yes, the guilt and the shame so ingrained by many voices, powerful write VJ, straight to the heart.
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Thanks Paul.
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🙂
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Didn’t know of this word either. There are many fears and phobias out there. You did a incredible job of showing the struggle, I think.
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Thanks Benjamin. I agree – we could write a book on phobias.
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Agreed. And there might be new ones that spring up all the time as well. Again: you crafted this well!
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Feelings of shame kill us emotionally and sometimes physically. Brilliant as ever and the image enticing to say the least:)
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Thanks Janet. You are right on.
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Powerful
“Insatiable hunger to tramp down shame,” hit hard. I know I have been there and I am willing most women have.
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