Saturday, October 19, 2013

Not Quite Toothless



Not Quite Toothless 

His amalgam fillings 
gone to crumble
Now gritty as gravel
In the pit of his mouth
Sunken, littered with leaning vacant spaces 

Oh worn picket fence face
of decimation - clinging 
unwilling, though ready, 
to travel to trash 
He speaks of self and sundry far flung-adventures
With echoes of the lion's roar rumbling through 
The young crowd - well-smiled and schooled in nothing 

Watch with vague interest as tentacles fall over the toothlesss man - gasp as somehow he slips through Death eludes Discovery and vaults Disdain to land with an uncertain gummy smile on his feet
In the blurry Balance between eccentricity and individualism 
Smiling 
At them 
One 
And all



27 comments:

  1. Love how "leaning vacant spaces" conjures a metaphor for empty (or lost) promises/gifts/ lives, but also for a lack of education and empathy that seems apparent in the young crowd.

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  2. What a vivid picture you've painted of the old man's mouth, and his "I don't give a damn" attitude as he smiles at the world!

    Whirling Photo Album

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  3. It is a gift, born of practice to be truly comfortable in one's skin and content with the life just as it is.

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  4. Teeth were the only connection I could find with the words (being married to a dentist), but I could take it no further. You on the other hand have given us a really poignant poem.

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  5. Teeth was the only clue I could find in this collection of words (being married to a dentist). You, on the other hand have given us a poignant piece of poetry! Bravo.

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  6. Great use of the words. I can see it unfold. The second stanza is particularly strong!

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  7. This is too good to remain just a "wordle" poem. It belongs
    where more readers can enjoy it!

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  8. Powerful first verse. I am filled with compassion for this character you created with your poem. Great job, Pearl.

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  9. I enjoyed this piece, Pearl. Love that his smile shines through at the end. Toothless.

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  10. Sadly, I relate all too well to this man's teeth - the elderly impoverished cant afford dentists - but we must go on smiling because life is just too hilarious! Great write, and cool choice of topic, Pearl!

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  11. I knew amalgam could be used with teeth but could not find a way to incorporate it...you, on the other hand have produced a slice of brilliance...well done Pearl.

    http://thepoet-tree-house.blogspot.ca/2013/10/notice-how-nothing-nohow.html

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  12. smiling through it all...if only all of us could.

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  13. Great job! You have really painted a vivid picture in a powerful poem.

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  14. What a fun place to find yourself balancing between. Sounds like an intersting person to meet!

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  15. Sounds like a fun place to be balancing oneself...if I could have all my teeth though.

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  16. You've been peeking at me haven't you? The best is being able to smile at the world.

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  17. You've given such character to the words! Marvelous write!

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  18. "Worn picket fence face." Best line I've read all day, Pearl Girl. Funny, the "amalgam" took me to teeth, too, but I'm afraid I lack the unselfconsciousness of your subject! What a great "stick it" to those who look down on him, and good for him for smiling! Amy

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  19. nice one; this is the second i've read in this week's set with a focus on mouth and teeth

    much love...

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  20. Old men everywhere are thanking you for this masterpiece.

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  21. I love how the story unfolded from the tooth filling and built up a picture that left me smiling - because he smiles..no matter

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