Counting Calories
By Bethany Keeshan
I was supposed to be alone in the night
The soft darkness enveloping the wispy streams of light
Flowing from the moon’s gentle scars
I was supposed to be counting stars
Not calories
I was supposed to be smiling when I saw them
An unquenchable thankfulness forcing me to withdraw, right then,
To contain the love and emotion I could only think of professing
I was supposed to be counting blessings
Not calories
I wasn’t supposed to preface each bite
With a unbearable form of delirious spite
That coerced my own body into wanting to die
So long as the figures in mirrors wouldn’t lie
So I am counting calories
I wasn’t supposed to taste the persistent oppression
My identity synonymous with my own repression
And just when I find strength to fight for survival
My sense of self and my body become bloody rivals
And I start to count calories
Again
One, two, three, four
I suppress the suggestion that I am worth more
Five, six, seven, eight
As I’m taken in by insatiable hate
Nine
I should have been counting the lies
But instead I am counting calories
About the author
Bethany Keeshan was born and raised in Ottawa, and she is currently completing her BA in History and Mathematics at the University of Ottawa. She has loved poetry since she was very young. She believes it to be both a fun pastime and an effective medium through which to critically examine society’s strengths and flaws.
Let’s play pretend…
Because it is fun… and life is too short!
By Sandy El-Bitar
Let’s pretend that the weather is warm and we are popping soap bubbles in the park.
Let’s pretend that I am a better kite flyer and you are a better cook.
Let’s pretend that my cheeks hurt and my eyes are wet thanks to all the laughter.
Let’s pretend that I am fine and excited to explore this whole new world of mine.
Let’s pretend that I am comfortable with the whole situation.
Let’s pretend that you are not happy here because there isn’t enough livity in this city.
Let’s pretend that you are satisfied with your new connections.
Let’s pretend that I call you just because you are a good friend.
Let’s pretend that I cook for you just because you are like “family.”
Let’s pretend that I am eating well and taking good care of myself.
Let’s pretend that I am sleeping at night.
Let’s pretend that I am fine.
Let’s pretend that I am not jealous.
Let’s pretend that you know what you want.
Let’s pretend that you are an efficient decision maker.
Let’s pretend that I don’t think of you every minute of my day.
Let’s pretend that I am just acting Cocteau’s The Human Voice.
Let’s pretend that I am taking all these meds because the doctor asked me to.
Let’s pretend that I will wake up tomorrow morning.
Let’s pretend that we are just pretending.
Let’s pretend that this time you will cope, move on … and live happily ever after!
About the author
Sandy El-Bitar was born and raised in Lebanon. She graduated from the theatre program at Lebanese University, acted in numerous plays, worked as a clown doctor in four different hospitals, and traveled to perform in several countries. In Canada, she studied recreation and leisure services. Currently, she works as a life enrichment aid in palliative and end of life care, where she integrates art, play, and humour into therapy. She is also completing her BA in psychology at the University of Ottawa. You can reach her at [email protected].
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