A Swollen Tortoise Poem by Margaret Alice Second

We happily conversed while you experimented,
I promised myself I won't take a bite as you added
beef stock to curry, when I refused you insisted, it
should be safe - now I'm awake, a small fire in my
intestines reminding me why my world is so small

Step over the line of eating restriction and pay the
price, I can't sleep at all, listening to Tiaan's restless
pacing indicates he shares my fate; can't close my
eyes, can't lie down, the floor does not offer any
respite - I'm convicted by my own choice to

eat things my system cannot process - I resemble
Ionesco's rhinoceros, feeling like a swollen tortoise*,
I read multiple personalities react differently to stimuli
depending on which one occupies the body - I wish
I had another me, like the three faces of Eve - to

change my chemical set-up, the only effect change
has is varied feelings - from terribly depressed to
totally ecstatic - yet my body remains the same
oversensitive seismograph - making me wish
for separation of body and mind

As soon as possible…

16/02/2012

*or a beached whale - whichever comes first…