The Dentest
He never smiled, not with lips
just eyes that blinked like broken bits
of mirror left in alley dust
a man you’d pass, but never trust.
No plaque outside, no waiting chair
just creaking stairs and colder air
a bell that rang with no reply
a shadow shifting near the sky.
He worked alone, he took no fees
no drills, no lights, no niceties
and if you dared to knock that door
you left with fewer teeth than before.
His fingers smelled of copper rot
he’d hum and mutter, pick and plot
a child’s loose tooth, a widow’s crown
he’d mark the date and write it down.
They said he carved each root and fang
with names and dreams and where they sang
he’d polish pain, he’d count your lies
then slip your molars in a vice.
His walls were lined with jars and grins
from wedding days and childhood sins
from those who thought it safe to sleep
from those who thought they had secrets to keep.
No grave was deep enough to stall
his need to catalogue them all
a thief of bone, a prince of pulp
his breath a sour, silent gulp.
If you have felt a sudden chill
a tug at night that won’t sit still
look in the mirror, count once more
was that gap there the night before?
About the Creator
Marie381Uk
I've been writing poetry since the age of fourteen. With pen in hand, I wander through realms unseen. The pen holds power; ink reveals hidden thoughts. A poet may speak truth or weave a tale. You decide. Let pen and ink capture your mind❤️
Keep reading
More stories from Marie381Uk and writers in Poets and other communities.
You Think I Am Broken
Introduction This is inspired by my situation on Vocal, the Bouke de Vries work and the Screaming Trees song. I know that for many others, they would have walked away from Vocal, but I am taking it as a challenge. I get the feeling that Vocal moderators and others don't want me here (just my imposter syndrome paranoia), but I know a lot of people do, and obviously, some on Vocal do value me, so I will not be giving up.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 7 days ago in Poets
Comments (2)
Such a playful tone but kind of scary. Love the play on words.
What a funny but also kind of scary visit to a dentest (dentist). By the way I like going to the dentist. Good job.