Soul Food by Rashunda Shine Lightner

he feeds me
his verbal culinary creations
some he spoon feeds me
carefully, tenderly
as if each one were a treat
an expensive exotic delicacy
a tiny taste of heaven
a mellifluous morsel of ecstacy

he senses my innate hunger
perceives the intensity of my appetites
as an open invite
he feeds me
in the most skilled fashion
unbeknownst to me
doing so is part of his repertoire
his life’s passion

 greedily, I indulge. Savoring

each and every tidbit he gives me
never once questioning the ingredients
of that which he prepares
seemingly with nothing but good intentions
and
tender, loving, care

yes, he feeds me
his verbal culinary creations
he serves me with a smile
flavorful, colorful, beautiful entrees
his finesse and delivery
keeps me flattered and amazed

I bask in the moment
all the while ignorant and unaware
until one day something
becomes painfully clear

I AM STILL HUNGRY!!!

this food offers me no solace
my soul is still empty
so I say "no more!"

for as delicious
and tempting
as it is
in all of its epicurean magnificence
it is all saccharine
no substance
no nutrients

AND I AM STILL HUNGRY!!