3 Noteworthy Eating Disorder Poems

These poems delve into the darkness of eating disorders, exposing internal battles and emotional turmoil. They convey pain, guilt, and distorted perceptions, offering glimpses of hope and the journey toward recovery.

Through poignant metaphors and poignant imagery, these verses invite empathy and understanding, shedding light on the complexities of these disorders and the need for support and compassion.

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Anorexic

by Eavan Boland

‘Anorexic’ by Eavan Boland presents a woman determined to destroy her physical body through starvation while alluding to the original sin.

The title of Boland’s poem directly points to an eating disorder that is known as anorexia nervosa. It is important to note that the term “anorexic” or “anorectic” is a drug that reduces appetite, resulting in less consumption and excessive weight loss. So, anything that has the effect of reducing one’s appetite is anorexic. In the speaker's case, the concept of original sin from the Bible may have an anorexic effect on her mind, resulting in her mental as well as bodily suffering.

Flesh is heretic.

My body is a witch.

I am burning it.

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Ellen West

by Frank Bidart

‘Ellen West’ by Frank Bidart is a long poem capturing the life-defining moments of Ellen West, a woman who was the signature case for existential analysis in the 19th century. The poem is narrated majorly by West herself, with her doctor Ludwig Binswanger intermittently rendering a clinical analysis of her behaviour.

Many literary personalities would agree that 'Ellen West' is one of the best poems dealing with the topic of eating disorders. Bidart's idea of making 'Ellen West' a persona poem using a real persona demonstrates originality. Moreover, Bidart explores this very delicate theme in depth and with accuracy. Courtesy of this, today, many are able to understand and even relate to the topic.

I love sweets,—

heaven

would be dying on a bed of vanilla ice cream . . .

But my true self

is thin, all profile

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Sonnet 118

by William Shakespeare

‘Sonnet 118,’ also known as ‘Like as, to make our appetites more keen,’ by William Shakespeare uses metaphors to depict the current state of the speaker and Fair Youth’s relationship.

Like as, to make our appetites more keen,

With eager compounds we our palate urge;

As, to prevent our maladies unseen,

We sicken to shun sickness when we purge;

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3 Noteworthy Eating Disorder Poems

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3 Noteworthy Eating Disorder Poems

Anorexic

by Eavan Boland

Ellen West

by Frank Bidart

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