Sugar-Laced

The opening haiku is so beautiful

Long time no read, Dharrsheena! I've been wanting to reacquaint myself with all my favourites since I came back from China! Love this poem, first of all. It's a reminder that the real anyone (their "plain" self, if you will!) isn't always easy to swallow, in either sense of the word. You might find yourself longing for the sprinkles and sugar that go with the impression we try to give other people, even though that persona is false. The poem raises troubling questions about fakery and self-image, which are very relevant in the social media age, because people as they present themselves often are more palatable (now you've got me doing it!) than what's underneath the sweetness and swirls. For a generation that was taught to "always be yourself," this poem hits us with a rather sobering truth...! Superb stuff as always, Dharrsheena. I've missed you!

Wow, wow, wow. Girl this is insane. The simple choice of ice cream alchemised into so many different faces and identites. Sweet to the eye but tough to digest. Introspectively beautiful and simply relatable.

"Hard to swallow" is such a real way to describe someone who saves their worst for the people closest to them. I've definitely been in that position where I just wanted the "sugar-laced" version for once. Beautifully written Dharrsheena! ❤️

This poem is sweet on the surface but quietly devastating underneath. The imagery is so sharp and effective.

So insightful about ice cream.

This piece is both sensual and introspective, peeling back layers of identity and intimacy with remarkable precision. The closing question lingers, inviting readers to reflect on their own desires for illusion versus truth.

I really like this. Love the wishing quality to it.

The emotional layer feels honest and unguarded. You allow us to sense longing, sweetness, perhaps even sorrow or yearning …..all layered, not flat. That takes courage and craft to let a poem be both beautiful and unsettled.

I love this - very relatable, and a really original analogy!

Brilliant. Can see why this won Top Story!

Woaw this is great I omitted it Congratulations on Top Story also :)))) !!!!

Ooh, I like the analogy. But milk is nurturing, too. As well as a breeding ground for bacteria!

I love this

ooooh...this is so good! I love the ice cream analogy - reminds me of knowing a narcissist and how they mask in the world outside but not with those closest to them. Congrats on top story!

Nice story

Nice story

I hate when I miss a Dharr story!! The start was amazing! Incredibly creative! Congrats on your top story, Dharr! 💖✨🎉🥳🎉🥳

Love this

Oh my! I missed this one. Simply Dharrsheena in all its glory. Darkly lovely. TS in form and execution.

It's hot. I skipped lunch. I clicked here for the Ice Cream. I found something far deeper! Well done, Dharsheena!

I love this piece! It's so simple, yet impactful it's imagery and emotions. Congrats on being Top Story! Very well deserved 😊

The analogy is so well crafted. Great work!!

What a perfect poem. Brilliant as always. Congrats on top story.