Absurd
© Laura Craig Mason 2001

The absurdity
of searching for fat
in tomatos and crackers
leaves me sick.

I watch this
disintegration of ego
with the standard
spectator's interest.

I catalog
each day's ramblings,
and try to ignore
her rib's shadow.

The absurdity
of pixies
counting calories
seems a little less funny
when 
your friend is slowly dying.

She watches TV
with the furvor of an addict,
filling her starving mind
with images
of steaks, snakes, and models.

If I look
too close at pores and faults,
I could lose
this friend.

But if I ignore
mutilation of form,
and wallowing in pity
there will be
no bridge 
to cross again.

She burns every 
bridge, calorie and hope.

The absurdity of it all,
hurts both our
tender souls.