hungry is a trophy
that makes you choke, made
of snakes that slither back
up your throat, slimy
and shameful; but it glistens.

hungry is a symbol
that makes everything simple:
"just focus on me"
just try to stay clean.

hungry is a gesture
like holding on to some kind of
unforgiving treasure,
a backpack full of
ants and half eaten apples.

hungry is pride
hungry is I tried
I did try,
didn't I?