Hunger

I am only beautiful 

in a scarcity environment 

when hunger has made you

a fool for softness 

the rest of the time

I have learned 

to make the most

of my shadows

that they may fall 

in the way 

that is pleasing 

but that is just a game

because we all know

that our masks

do not hide

our faces 

if your mouth 

is watering 

over the fruit of me

it is only because 

you have been 

starved of sweetness

during this long winter.