The Empty Plate

The Empty Plate is a raw and haunting portrayal of the battle with an eating disorder, capturing the relentless cycle of control, shame, and longing for freedom.

The mirror shows a haunted face,

Trapped in this self-inflicted space.

My body's here, but where's my soul?

Lost in this sickness, out of control.

The scale's a god, I must obey,

Its numbers judge me, every day.

A gram too much, a flood of tears,

Fueling this cycle, built on fears.

I eat and p**ge, a desperate plea,

To find some comfort, to feel free.

But emptiness, is all I find,

A hollow echo, in my mind.

It never ends.

The mirror cracks, I see the lie,

This isn't living, just getting by.

I'm trapped inside, this private hell,

And how to break free, I cannot tell.

Four months I've fought, this losing game,

Since giving in, to endless shame.

Now it controls me, day and night,

And steals away, my inner light.

My body aches, my spirit's weak,

But still, a glimmer, I must seek.

A tiny spark, a whispered prayer,

To find some hope, beyond despair.

The sickness asks, with cruelest voice,

"Have you forgotten, you have a choice?"

Lost and alone, I start to see,

Is this the person, I want to be?

"Can I be stronger, can I fight?

"Can I reclaim, my own true light?"

"Is there a future, I can claim,

Beyond this hunger, and this shame?"

"Or am i, forever, Broken inside?"

I need an answer. Will I find?

Author's Note

I wrote The Empty Plate a few years ago during a difficult time, reflecting on the struggle with control, shame, and the hope for healing. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Does it capture the emotions clearly?