I tell myself I have the strength to eat

This time the four-course meal isn't poisoned

This time I won't flee from the table sickened

This time the flesh in my mouth will not splatter

I will bite your neck with steady hands

Sinking my teeth deeper until euphoria consumes me

And I am full, appetite satisfied

I will have the strength to eat

So tonight I rest my hands on your neck

The sensation of your pulse beneath my fingertips

If I have the strength to eat

My teeth will pierce your skin

But my jaw never closes, it lies slack

Heaving and hacking up forgotten flavours

My stomach acids rise, burning the back of my throat

So tonight I rest my hands on my neck

And I am starving and empty

Without the strength to eat