The Rictus Man.

I was drawn to a line I read about the rictus smile of a dead person. I thought "i know him!"

The rictus smile
Comes from a tin
Take a blank face
And paint it in

It doesn't say much
In fact, nothing at all
You can get the same look
On a rubber ball

The rictus smile
Is a form of cheating
It doesnt quite welcome
The one it's greeting

It parts the lips
And shows its teeth
But if you look close
There is nothing beneath

The rictus eyes
Have an empty look
Narrow and sharp
Like a good bill hook

They can cut right through
To the back of your head
And they never acknowledge
A word that's said

It's an empty space
Is a rictus face
There's no warmth or grace
In a rictus face

You cannot erase
A rictus face
As emotions go
It's a total disgrace

So don't be taken in
By a rictus grin
Stay as far as you can
From the Rictus Man!

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I did enjoy this poem Bryan. Reminded me of a Jack London story. Just meat.
"So don't be taken in
By a rictus grin
Stay as far as you can
From the Rictus Man!"
I agree with the above lines. Something we must stay away from. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Bryan Sefton]

Jack London! One of my favourite authors from long ago. Thanks Coyote.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Bryan.

[Chris Shaw]

I like your dsrk hearted humour here Bryan, carried with a warning too. A visual write, I could see that grin clearly. Best stay away if poss. Have a great Wednesday.

Chris

[Bryan Sefton]

Thank you. Chris. Have a nice day.