Maggots in his smile

past lives

 "How ya doing?" (without me)
 he said,
 and the death of their love
 was betrayed by the
 maggots in his smile.
 
 The tenderness in his voice
 to her ears sounded like tin;
 his memory's caress
 nibbled at the corners
 of her painted grin.
 
 She mumbled "fine",
 and walked away on leaden feet,
 sickened by the taste of yesterday
 in the spittle she absently
 wiped off her chin.

Author's Note

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I love the way you use original & super-yukky descriptive ways (maggots & spittle) to show us how this unwelcomed meeting felt. My favorite part is the first line, where the parenthetical phrase says more than the rest of your poem (it's all about HIM in his own mind). I love the way this doesn't convey disgust, exactly . . . but so much revulsion shown thru body language.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you for popping by this one. I hope to be more present in 2017.

[Paul Bell]

You stopped to talk. Not worth the bother. Onwards and upwards. All the best for 2017 Kara.

[Lyn Anderson]

It was a very long time ago. But some things stick with you.

[Alfred Kukitz]

Whew! Do I love this poem. Description, metaphor, the taste of it all salting my eyes.

Regards,
Al

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you and Merry Season to you. I shall endeavour to be more present in the New Year.:)

[Alfred Kukitz]

A little kiss on your red lips!

[Ted Kniffen]

Obviously an old one that still burns and leaves scars.
A good poem about a bad situation. A good write, KL

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you so much. Yes, this one stung a lot, and led me on a path I regret in many ways. But these things make us who we are in the end, and maybe, they also lead us where we want to be.

[Lydia Shutter]

This one packs an emotional punch, KL. What once was tender is now tinny. What once warmed us, leaves us cold. Time changes so many things. What a powerful write this is. Lydi**

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks. This was one of those tough relationships that never left me.

[Einstein Noodle]

perfect poem ... visual, visceral and very emotive as i feel all the thoughts going on in her head ...his audacity, her chagrined in the meeting not looked for .. his arrogant, taunting words ...she tries her best to play the game but the physical illness is overwhelming .. i love this poem ..you say it all .. a whole history in 3 verses .. i want to punch his face >;{
E.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks. This one stung pretty bad.

[Einstein Noodle]

i'm sorry :((

[1VJ]

You have a unique style that I like. The imagery is brutally distasteful. And I mean that in a good way. :)

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks. This particular relationship was one that left me hurt for a long time. Every once in a while he revisits, maggots and all.

[1VJ]

I have one of those, I understand completely.

[AprilRN1210]

bitter taste of yesterday can ruin the appetite for tomorrow.. I love the vivid imagery and descriptions in here.. damn girl... real, raw, and freaking awesome...

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks a lot. This one is a historic thing that has teeth.

[Matching Socks]

Jeez, left a really bad after taste in my mouth. Great write from you KL.

[Lyn Anderson]

Yes, well, this is the same person I wrote "Compost" for, and sundry other writes ...

[Matching Socks]

Dirty rotten meat...

[Matching Socks]

Dirty rotten meat...

[Matching Socks]

Yikes. X 2

[redflutterby]

Dark and fantastic...had a touch of King to it!! And you know he is my favorite writer. You knocked this maggot filled skull out of the park...ha

[Lyn Anderson]

thanks, I did think of King when I wrote it.:)

[redflutterby]

I thought you might have! Ive missed your writing. :-)