it all starts with a yearning

fantasizing about your favorite chocolate

imagining how delicious it tastes

next is the expedition phase

traveling to the store with anticipation

browsing all the options

discovering new flavors

making your selection

securing the deal and taking the chocolate home

chocolate date phase is next

deciding the right moment to consume it

inviting somebody to share it

arranging the right drink to pair

now there is the ritual phase

You bring out the chocolate after dinner

pour a glass of your paired beverage

show the chocolate to your chosen one

you both touch it and smell it

sipping on that beverage as the excitement mounts

now is the consumption phase

party in the mouth time

you both banter about the exquisite taste

searching deep for the best superlatives

alternating sips and bites

repeat slowly but often until its all gone

now is the guilt phase

why did you eat it all in one sitting

think about all those calories

as you pour two more drinks

finally the binge phase

you grab another bar of chocolate

tear open the wrapping

pass half to the other person

chomp away until its all gone

bellies full and sated

sugar high kicks in

perhaps a little queasy

now the coming out phase

you both own up to your addictions

admit that you lost control

but you are both proud of it

and you will do it all again soon

not ready for chocolate rehab yet