Pie-Eating Contest

I used to feel like I could win a pie-eating contest, 

but in my quest to look my best  

that feeling, I actively repressed 

Until I convinced myself that eventually I will feel like--

I can run a marathon. 

I used to clog my arteries twice a day,

With McNuggets and fries: my gourmet.

I'd eat pancakes and waffles with real butter, syrup and whipped cream,

I'd drink Coke, sweet tea, and Hawaiian punch slurpees to seem, 

Like I didn't care that it took effort to bend over 

And tie my shoes.

Now they tell me I look like I run marathons. 

I do run 15 miles a week, but only to make cheating on

The diet of a person too tiny to really be Jessica--

Acceptable. 

Now, instead of McNuggets and Fries, 

I have a salad--light dressing on the side.

Instead of waffles with all the real toppings

I have oatmeal with skim milk, but stop me 

before adding half a tablespoon of brown sugar

that would be madness! 

I used to look in the mirror and see 

a big girl who feels guilty about everything she eats,

Now I look into the mirror and see

a big girl who feels guilty about everything she eats. 

My body changed; 

I feel the same.