You Still Look Hungry by Soultry
You’re sitting across from me,
acting like I’m not the reason your mouth feels full
But your chest still feels empty.
Watching me like you forgot the taste,
But your eyes?
They remember every slow bite I fed you
without a single fork.
I ain't seasoning my words for you tonight.
I'm the whole damn meal
And you know it.
You just ain’t ready for the way I serve.
You thought this was gonna be light?
A little tease?
A quick dip and gone?
Nah, baby.
I pour flavor in moments.
I simmer in silence.
And when I feed you
I feed your whole damn soul.
Look at you,
fidgeting in your seat,
acting like you ain’t starving
while every inch of you leans in.
You can order whatever you want after me,
But let’s keep it real
You’ll be chewing,
and still tasting me.
I don’t play hard to get.
I just play so deep in your memory
You confuse hunger
with heartbreak.
So go ‘head.
Sip your water.
Try to stay cool.
But your body already knows
This ain’t a craving.
This is a need.
— Soultry
Soultry’s poem "You Still Look Hungry" masterfully uses the metaphor of food and appetite to depict an intense emotional experience rooted in desire and unfulfilled longing. The imagery of "feeding" and "taste" throughout the poem symbolizes the profound connection and intimacy shared between two individuals, while also highlighting the lingering craving that transcends physical satisfaction. The line from the OCR text, "You thought I was the appetizer... now you're starving in every place I fed you," underscores the idea that the speaker is more than just a fleeting indulgence—they are a lasting imprint on the listener’s emotions and memory. This metaphor elegantly expresses how some emotional experiences can saturate one’s consciousness far beyond their immediate moment. Emotionally, the poem navigates themes of vulnerability, the complexity of relationships, and how emotional emptiness can persist even when needs appear superficially met. The speaker’s refusal to "season words" and insistence on being the "whole damn meal" signifies a demand for depth and sincerity rather than superficial affection. From a psychological perspective, the poem illumines how human craving is often not limited to physical needs but also stems from emotional and psychological connections. The confusion between "hunger" and "heartbreak" is a powerful concept demonstrating how love and loss can feel like a physical ache. This resonates with readers who have felt emotional voids despite surface-level fulfillment. For those interested in poetry and emotional expression, Soultry’s work offers a rich example of how metaphor and sensory language can evoke complex feelings and invite introspection. The poem’s structure—combining short, impactful lines with cyclical imagery—engages readers, inviting them to feel the tension between appearance and reality, presence and absence. Ultimately, "You Still Look Hungry" is a lyrical reminder that genuine emotional connection satiates more than just momentary cravings. It explores how the taste of love lingers, influencing memories and desires. The artistry of Soultry lies in capturing these intangible emotions in language that feels both raw and refined.