Reason to forgo food we need

we need not question why, indeed

our bodies we need not to die

good nutrition we need, says I.

 

We need to keep our bodies sharp

distraction keeps the fridge light dark

a mantra we need to set the spark

and good friends to keep from worry’s murk.

 

We need to make amends always

a God we need to help and pray

and when we’re in a very bad way

we need to breathe

and review the day.

 

Good sleep we need to keep alive

and meditation to revive

we need just to count to five

before making decisions so contrived.

 

We need to draft a plan forthright

to make sound choices day and night

and stop the eating at days end

or if we can’t, we text a friend.

 

We need to read and write about

things that helped the others out

stories of mind and body’s wins

freedom from food outside and in.

 

We need a mentor by our side

who will guide and we need confide

and contact quick when thoughts collide

to discover doors food tries to hide.

 

We need to meet and serve our peers

to help our friends, confront our fears

and when we need a hug, or ear

come back again, they’re always near.

 

– Sandra Johnson, 6/26/2021

(from 2019 – prompt 15, hour 15)