It seemed so right then
So, how could it be wrong?
Was it the age? Or
The rebel in me? Or
The idea to overcome a taboo?
Being vegetarians
We were brain washed
Not to touch meat.
Yet, I tried
Fearing my dad's wrath,
It was a big deal
Going against authority
I was both thrilled
And guilty....
But, how could that be?
The guilt won over
And till date
Veg is all I can eat!
For - dVerse ~ Open Link Night
Poetryjaam
imperfect prose
Don't think I could be a complete vegetarian. :) Loved your poem about this, though. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks Martha.
Deletelove the artful way
ReplyDeleteyou weave with words
and so glad to find you
....the Rumi deliciousness
took my breath away
and then gave it back
full and deep
and sweet
and I THANK you that:)
-Jennifer
Wow! Thanks Jennifer.
DeleteI am also veggie. Loving animals, I had such a guilty conscience about their being raised just for us to eat them. Now they are factory farmed and it is even more inhumane. Good on you for being a veggie too :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Daydreamertoo.
DeleteMy heart is vegetarian but I have never managed to completely avoid meat. I think I would have liked having parents to show me the way there! I guess we each live in our own little world! Excellent poem.
ReplyDeleteSo true...Thanks Peggy.
DeleteI enjoyed your poem & your perspective! Personally I enjoy a lot of vegetarian dishes, and could live along time on them; but I am not adverse to eating meat (primarily white) or fish or eggs, etc. Lots of different viewpoints on this, I know. Glad you linked at Poetry Jam!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary...my upbringing has made me very choosy with food and cuisines.
DeleteI really liked this and was captured by the first lines...Your title as well is thought provoking and clever and makes me think about all the other things we have been condition to do and all of the conflicting emotions that accompanies those things!
ReplyDeleteSo good to be back reading your writing!
Thanks a lot Colleen.
DeleteI didn't think it possible to brainwash someone into not eating meat ... you have made a believer out of me. Good job.
ReplyDeleteIt is possible Helen...thanks.
DeleteMy dear Janu,
ReplyDeleteI am not a vegetarian but do eat veggies everyday with my dinner. Yes, I do like meat but is very selected because I always want to be healthy. As children, we will always eat and listen to what our parents say. As adults...we will make our own decisions to fit our lifestyle. Another good post my friend.
Dear Andy,
DeleteWhen it comes to food and eating, I am very rigid.
Thanks my friend for sharing.
I too have a vegetarian heart but can't give up meat. I'm more picky about where my food comes from now though. The thrill and guilt..love that! That can apply to most everything in life, not just this. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alecia.
Deletei would be vegetarian if it weren't for my husband. and it's probably a good thing, as i'd do it for the wrong reasons i think. but i really admire people such as yourself who know how to do it for a lifestyle. it takes a lot of dedication and faithfulness! bless you. so glad you linked :) e.
ReplyDeleteThanks Emily.
Deleteha sometimes we have to dance a bit close...or maybe over the line to realise the value in our boundaries...props to you...dont know if i could go without meat...
ReplyDelete:-) Thanks Brian.
DeleteHahha...u have dat humor tocuh alwys in ur creation. M blessed to be in creative world...here everythin n every one s damn creative n yet unique :)
ReplyDeleteLove
Mani
Thanks Mani.
DeleteI so wanted to become vegetarian, but my taste buds won't allow me hehe
ReplyDeleteThis was creatively written, Janaki! An entertaining read! :-)
Thank you Irene.
DeleteVery nice , dear Janu,me and my parents have consciously become vegans and are happy with it.Yet I feel that one should do what one's heart wants to do. Feeling of guilt is a shackle we've put on ourselves.In my openion whatever gives or causes trouble to others is a sin and killing animals for our 'taste-buds' is surely the worst.
ReplyDelete-Posh
Thanks for sharing Portia.
DeleteWe will always be curious and that is a good thing...usually:-) Nice take on the prompt! Turned veg about 10 years ago and never looked back, cheers!
ReplyDeleteCheers SaraV
DeleteJanu, the laws of our parents become embedded into our beings. I was raised Catholic and I can remember my mother teaching me the rules...I have since found my own rules. The ones that speak to my spirit. But I am blessed to have had a mother with faith and the patience to share that faith. Beautiful post Janu.
ReplyDeleteMom was right all along then:)
ReplyDeleteWell captured experience of rebellion against parental and cultural dietary conventions. For me it's the kosher rules, with which I have had a longterm love-hate relationship.
ReplyDeleteI think there comes a time when most of us consider a little bit of rebellion...very nicely captured.
ReplyDeleteI love the teeny rebellion vanquished by guilt.......
ReplyDeleteMen were hunter gatherers from the beginning - and hunters don't hunt vegetables! Moderation in all things, say I...
ReplyDeleteHi Janu!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a lovely poem, the words convey the dilemma so perfect.
P.S.- A few lines from your poem inspired me to write one myself even though the topic is entirely different. Here is the link-
http://swarnalidreams.blogspot.in/2012/06/forbidden.html
That's regret worth.....nice poem...Vegies are good
ReplyDeleteI've heard of people giving up meat for health reasons... but it's their choice. Being conditioned is different. Hmmm...I do hope you enjoy what you eat :)
ReplyDelete