the real

those who get

seven hours daily

of shut eye

have never known real sleep

to be awake for 56 hours

to sludge through crackling daylight

then to plummet into the night

a comet of leaving

sleeping forever maybe

those who drink

the recommended 6-8 cups

of water

have never satisfied thirst

never sat uneasy

lips bite and bleeding

the water inside leaking out

only to evaporate as a smoke signal

to the gods for help

those who have many friends that they rely on

have never known what it means to need only themselves

those who eat well

have never savored their meal

those who exercise regularly

have never felt truly muscular

in a feat that is beyond you

but that is done

one pound by one pound by another

too much maybe

but look how tired you are

how thirsty how supported

and oh how you are hungry

you’ll devour all these

weirdos who expect the same

from every day

until one day

they meet you

sweating ravenous wild eyed

and ready to consume all