Truth Tastes Like

Truth tasted like this protein shakes I was made to gulp,

When I had to come in terms with the fact,

My body was slowly breaking down.

It tasted like those mango milkshakes,

In the peak of summers that hit me with the freshness,

And reminded me things aren't that bad after all.

It tasted like the payasam my mom made for onam,

When she began to add a little more sugar just to compensate,

The family not being together.

It tasted like the first sip of beer I had,

Where my friends waited for a response more than ever,

And I just felt the need to keep them happy.

It tasted like orange flavored candy,

When I kept eating them and ended up with a cut tongue,

Right before sunset.

It tasted like the food, shoved down my throat at the hospital,

While I lay on the bed staring at the drips,

Drop by drop, race against Time.

It tasted like the bitter gourd, lettuce and Papaya,

And all things I don't like, just like those things,

The truth was good for me,

But slowly and steadily only while I digest,

Also in bits and pieces

And not as a whole.