Running on Empty

From HSU English 311 Environmental Writing, Poetry and Prose

I wake up every morning and need to feed. A gut-wrenching ache takes over before Iv'e even left my bed. A glass of water will put out the internal fire for a moment, but I can only delay so long. This morning's strict schedule allows little time for food, and skipping breakfast can have severe consequences. I'm acutely aware of this as I head out the door.

Class time becomes torture when the pangs intensify. Time slows, pain inhibits thought.

The last few seconds tick by before the professor is done. I can feel it deep inside my body, at the place where I imagine my stomach and esophagus meet.

The campus blurs past in my rush to the cafeteria. That first bite releases a flood of dopamine and a contented calm washes the ravenous pangs away.

*Author's note: I rarely miss a meal in the morning and this prose should in no way reflect on my time management skills :)