Straight
It’s like a form, you see.
A form that is not curved.
These are the lines that were drawn to make a house.
A shape among shapes that created art,
was the same that brought change with time.
A change brought was made to define our bodies now,
but this time, this line was the skin stuck to the bones,
as if they were meant to be one.
Eating disorders grew as though
to ruin the only home we owned.
And these lines that were last joined to make a home
is what I see now fall apart.
“Straight” is a poignant and introspective poem that explores the relationship between the human body, self-perception, and the destructive influence of eating disorders. The poet skillfully employs vivid imagery and metaphors to convey their thoughts and emotions.
The opening lines immediately capture the reader’s attention by presenting the idea of a form that is not curved, hinting at the unconventional nature of the subject matter. The poem seamlessly transitions from discussing the creation of a house to the human body, drawing a parallel between the lines that shape both physical structures and our own existence.
The poem delves into the impact of societal pressures and the struggle for self-acceptance. It suggests that our bodies are the only true homes we possess, yet they are susceptible to harm caused by internalizing unrealistic beauty standards. The phrase “the skin stuck to the bones, as if they were meant to be one” powerfully illustrates the distressing fusion of body and disorder, emphasizing the poem’s central theme.
Furthermore, the portrayal of eating disorders as agents of destruction highlights their insidious nature and the havoc they wreak on one’s sense of self. The lines that were once harmoniously joined to create a home are now falling apart, symbolizing the devastating consequences of these disorders on both the physical and emotional well-being of individuals.
The poem’s strength lies in its ability to evoke empathy and reflection in the reader. It draws attention to the damaging impact of societal expectations and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the body as a unique and cherished home. The writer’s skillful use of language and the poignant imagery throughout the poem contribute to its emotional resonance.
In summary, “Straight” is a thought-provoking poem that explores the destructive influence of eating disorders on our perception of self. It invites readers to reflect on the societal pressures that contribute to these struggles and underscores the need for compassion and self-acceptance in our relationship with our bodies.
The simple yet thought-provoking poem “Straight” explores the complexity of external appearance and how it has evolved into a societal judgement standard. The poem’s form and substance are interestingly compared through the usage of free verse. While the poetry is unrestricted, the poem discusses how straight lines inhibit bending and limit any form.
The poem starts off by explaining what the word “straight” means literally : something that is neither bent nor free to bend or meander, thereby challenging the rigid conventional views of beauty and aesthetics in the society at large. By using the imagery of a straight line, the author invites readers to consider how society’s norms and expectations may be affecting them.The body that houses the naked soul and the house that provides refuge for humans are related in terms of outward appearance. The irony here is that the concrete home, which must have a specific length, breadth, and height, is compared to the body, which is unique to each individual. A chilling sense of confinement—as if our bodies and souls have been caught in a never-ending cycle of self-destruction—is conveyed by the imagery ‘the skin stuck to the bones’. The body is referred to later in the poem as “the only home we owned,” which gradually falls apart as one strives to live up to society’s expectations of perfection. The body suffers as a result of eating problems. The lines that connected the house drawing and defined the body eventually comes apart.