By Daniella Theis

Content warning:

In this poem, the writer discusses her experiences with an eating disorder through surrealist poetry in a way that some people might find triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating in any way, see the resources at the bottom of this page.

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The catch up –

One day mind and belly went for tea. 
They were old friends, grew up; side by side. 

They used to have fun together.

But mind had been ignoring belly’s calls for months. Returned not a single one. Mind would smile and say: “Sorry, 
it’s been a busy time.”

Belly would nod and wave the waiter over.

Belly would sit and listen to mind’s stories: All the ramblings 
and exaggerations, silently. Now that is a friend for you! 

The waiter would come. Mind would smoke a cigarette. 
Belly would scorn and have a scone.

Mind would say: “This is my last one.

Are you sure you want cream with that?”

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Note from the author:

I wrote this poem as part of a series a while back. Just like other writers, I was aiming to explore the relationship between deflecting and confronting issues through surrealist poetry.

Eating disorders are not as simple as a strained friendship between body parts or mind ignoring belly – it was just an image I chose for me to process things. What I tried to do was to portray stuff close to me through a different lens. 

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How to get help: 

If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating in any way, you can call Beat at 0808 801 0677 or SEED at 01482 718130.