Poemorama at Paper Poetry
There is Lots
Hunger, Food Insecurity & The Harsh Shades of Empty
There is Lots (a nonet)
The thing about being hungry is
if it happens too many times
or goes on for much too long
the mind paints pictures of
‘not enough’, in harsh
shades of empty.
— Even when
there is
lots
‘Food insecurity’ is a state of ‘not knowing where your next meal is coming from’¹. Apart from the obvious health problems of this soul-crushing experience, studies are now showing the psychological impacts of food insecurity. Depression, shame, reduced cognitive function, and more. Along with levels of chronic stress and anxiety so toxic that it is dehumanizing.
“… Anger and frustration are certainly there. Then, what comes from that is a sense of regret, sadness. It’s a feeling that one is not worth food.”
— A college student interviewed.
Most schools in Australia provide breakfast before school now, as they know that a hungry child…
