By Twyla Lidén

 

I have these oats

I have these oats I often neglect

I have these oats I often neglect because I love bagels

I have these oats I often neglect because I love bagels and cream cheese in the morning

 

Now, these oats are punishing me

Refusing to mush

Refusing to bend

Chewing these oats seems to never end

 

But I guess it’s my own fault

I mean I never give them love

Gradually being pushed further back in the cupboard

Only touched when no bagels are around

 

I pour the oats in my enamel bowl

Boil water

Pour the water over the oats

Boiling them alive

Add some butter

Then devour them

 

I don’t enjoy them

No sound of pleasure leaves my mouth

 

They’re only fuel

An inevitable part of my day

When no bagels are around

 

Man, I love bagels.