It's kind of tough to smile he said
as he mouthed around the broken teeth
chips of bones and marrow from the unloved
and no matter how many of the rotting teeth he spit out
his smile was still brilliantly white.
And though he said he was not hungry
the look of craving held his eyes
not for simple nutrition but
a glass or two of tea
served with the philosophy that knowledge could
be so easily drunk as if it were some fine whiskey
a truth that is bitter and strong
intoxicating.
But no matter how much he drinks
there will always be too many teeth to spit out
as they have an ugly way of cracking the facade of inarticulation
and though his face may be ugly
it is best to concentrate on the gleaming smile left behind.
Comments