enjoy this writing from Christine Stoddard
in the free 6" x 9" 2017 PDF file chapbook: The Eating Game
(click on the front cover image or the
title text to download the free PDF file)
Second Trimester
Christine Stoddard
Nothing fits because nothing can fit
and all the silk adorns the dressing room
floor as if it were designed for the carpet
to wear because at least it can wear it
without weeping tears of pure regret.
She counts calories and sheep
and still her body does not
mimic her repeating dreams.
Hug this carrot but pummel
that pasta with all the fury
in your bloated fists, girl.
Take no photos and unplug
all social media, lest the
posts come to rankle you
as cake and cookies do.
This was once the perfect dress
for an almost perfect body,
if not an imperfect soul.
Let’s not talk of the future tonight.
The nursery can decorate itself.
