at the party
i sat in my chair
and watched
all the people go by
eating hot dogs
and burgers
and key lime pie

at the party
i wasn’t tempted
by the cold buffet
chicken salad
and cheese dips
i passed by each tray

not a cold one
a brewski
or a glass of chablis
no, i didn’t indulge
i simply enjoyed
the good company

but like a sore thumb
i still stuck out
as the heaviest one there
without a doubt

i only knew the host
and one other couple
my husband knew more
so he had no trouble
mingling and talking
and drinking his beer
while i sat on the lawn
in my nice folding chair

rhonda and i chatted
and gabrielle played her songs
it was a sunny afternoon
and amazingly
i felt very strong

because temptation
surrounded me
on every single plate
but i drank my water
and didn’t tempt fate
by giving into the calories
wow, that sure felt great

it can be done,
i thought to myself
i survived a party
without too much help
just my will power
and water and
desire to succeed
a yogurt, some carrots
under a cool shade tree

by the time we left
i was as high as a kite
on life that is
because temptation
didn’t bite

perhaps for the first time
since this journey began
i felt confident and energized
and food was my friend

at the party
i had so much fun
but most of all
i felt that i won

i brought home the prize
my victory secure
i can beat this thing
of this i am now sure

so i woke up this morning
with my spirits renewed
and all it took was a party
and a plate
without food


NOTE TO ALL: I love all your input. Do you think I should call this one "At the Party" or "Plate Without Food"? I was torn. I went with the first title, but I like the other one too. Let me know what you think. Have a great day!!