Stomach Lining
by Valerie Parente

Oh the irony
that I destroyed my stomach lining
in an effort to be thin,
that I can’t properly digest
the world I want to take in.
I did it to myself
swallowing pills for bloating
but the stomach didn’t shrink
it became agonizing.
Meanwhile we live in a society
handing out prescriptions
to ruin the appetite of the ones
without mental conditions.
The same doctors that wagged their fingers
in my direction
are now encouraging disorders
à la injection.
And I’m sorry but I don’t have the stomach
to actively listen
for those once preaching body positivity
now casting judgement.
It’s almost like it was never about self esteem
nor body confidence
it’s a sick world equating depravation
with sweet discipline.
No, I don’t have the stomach
nor the interior lining
to digest this bullshit
the elite are peddling.
The mental fortitude it takes
to fight disordered eating
has never been more difficult
for those recovering.

– Valerie Parente (5-3-2026)