Have you heard the parable
about the two wolves battling
inside of us all?

The one that wins, they say,
is the one you feed.
But I have a pack of wolves
who have dug their den inside of me.

One is called My Body.

I feed her calories filled
with protein, fiber, and carbs
in just the right proportions–
I watch her prance and preen.

I feed her fat and sugar,
stroking her cravings as
I listen to her soft whines
of delight.

Another is called My Mind.

I feed it knowledge and
awareness, hard truths
to swallow and listen
to its stomach churn.

I feed it a cocktail of certainty
and rightness, and watch it
sway with eyes half shut.

And still another is called My Spirit.

I feed it music and poetry,
books and art. She feasts
with feral joy until her
fangs meet bone.

I feed her body and blood,
her eyes always filled
with wonder at the pretty
pieces of flesh.

Who wins the battle?
All of these wolves,
their wants foaming at the mouth.

I close my eyes, listening
to their unrestrained moans
and think, why not feed them all?