Dee Ó Dálaigh-Rónáin

Dear Splenda

Things aren’t working out between us.
Don’t try to deny it
And claim that everything is nice and sweet.

You know why I first gravitated towards you.
Honey was a mess,
And I didn’t need a nutritionist to know
Sugar was bad for me.

You, on the other hand?
You seemed perfect.

Everything about you was soft.
Soft hair, soft hands,
Those soft looks we exchanged at breakfast time.
Our secret morning ritual.

From my first coffee to my evening tea,
You were always there to sweeten
Each bitter step of the day.

But I am now aware
That cloying goodness belies your true nature.
You are artificial, and the more I learn about you
The less I want you.

Dee Ó Dálaigh-Rónáin is an Irish poet studying Creative Writing at the University of Galway. His work has been published in MAW Poetry Magazine and The Elevation Review. Alongside his poetry, he is currently writing a play based on his experience with the Irish healthcare system.