Progressing with deletion for two years,
deriving only added good from less,
concluding fats are better than my fears,
and feeling strong’s addictive, I confess
I hadn’t thought of adding stuff instead.
I knew I understood the regimen.
So I cut out the noodles, sweets, and bread,
but paid no mind to using oxygen.

When we were young, my brother asked our dad
why milk left out warms up but soup gets cold.
The question made our father proud and glad –
that night room temperature was what he told
us like a bedtime story. Now I dare
seek equilibrium of fuel and air.