A Frank Letter

Dear Francis, I have much to say
about your recent lapse
into a dietary way
quite full of many traps.

The hot dogs you of late consume
are not quite food at all.
And frankly, they'll lay you in a tomb
before you know you're a pall.

I'd offer you some fruit, legumes,
and vegetables at best,
if you would visit eighth-floor rooms
as my apartment guest.

But lately, I am told you have
a frothy soda pop
for breakfast as each morn you leave,
though I would holler, "STOP!"

How lunch you on the noodles nuked
with garnished little franks?
Is life so harsh you're lately duped
to eat without much thanks?

We'd have a salad, you and I,
with spring and spinach leaves.
We'd part with joy, no tear we'd cry.
Our health would never grieve.

Dear Francis, frankly would I say,
with frankness, I would speak.
Your belly is quite on display.
Your remedy I'd seek.

Bereave me not, nor fain to hear
my admonition, terse.
The end of you is lately clear.
I fear for you the worst.

Please, take care, Friend, the foods you eat mean life or death to the flesh.
I hope for lasting days to meet with you as you refresh.

No brazen heart I'd be to you.
Just straight up in your face
With processed foods, your life is through.
You'll go down in disgrace.

Quite candidly I'm downright true.
I'm direct and like it is!
This friendship that I have with you
is worth some ugly biz!

If you must have your fill of meat,
I'll offer you some fish.
Omega 3's are full, complete
with health. That is my wish!

But sugar laces all the things
you eat from day to day.
What cavities to teeth it brings!
What dumpy rolls it lays! Jay

Line Count: 50

by Jay O'Toole
on September 27th, 2018