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

[Ashira Macy]

I saw the title and it drew me in, I am so glad it did as I found this poem to be an incredibly enjoyable read. I like your use of parentheses to indicate the unspoken suggestion behind his words. Great narrative with fabulous descriptive prowess to illustrate the poison between two people no longer in love.

[Lyn Anderson]

I really appreciate it, thanks.

[Mary Bosworth]

I most gratefully thank you for allowing the privilege of sharing your excellent, well-rendered craft!

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you very much.

[Kenneth The Poet]

Heavy write. Quite descriptive, rather disturbing in fact. I like it.

[Lyn Anderson]

yes some things are dark and slippery and gnaw at us at inopportune times

[Jon Roggie]

Painful. Hope in the walking away. Leaving the past behind.

[Lyn Anderson]

This particular past is one of those ghosts that keeps on giving. But yes, it does get easier to stuff it back in the trunk.

[kublakhan27]

Wryly acerbic yet still vividly poetic, which I would say is your trademark if I had to name one...the middle stanza is awesome, probably one of the best assessments of this scenario I've read...very nicely done.

[Lyn Anderson]

That's my favourite too. Oh, feel the love.:)

[kublakhan27]

Haha Yep, love is always in the air around here ;P

[Baby Ricochet]

Lets start with the title. That's it

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks, I appreciate the quickie:)

[Kai Rollins]

The always implied "Without me" indeed. A bit of spittle to match his myself. A lovely read.

[Lyn Anderson]

Yes. Here is hoping, young one, you never have one that sticks with you over half your adult life.

[Frieda P]

Whoa I felt that spittle all the way over here...holy maggots!

Halestorm really works well for you, I love this song by the way...I've used it myself.

[Lyn Anderson]

Yes, I like chicks with bite.

[Frieda P]

I read that at first as 'that' bite.... :)

[Lyn Anderson]

ha ha, lol, well, I am not THAT kind of girl.

[Frieda P]

Pipe dreams eh? LOL

[Lyn Anderson]

Tee hee. Ever watch DEAD RINGERS? There's some weird stuff in there.

[Frieda P]

No, who broadcasts that one?

[Lyn Anderson]

It's a movie by DAVID Cronenberg, with Jeremy Irons in it. It is very creepy. There is a part in there, with some interesting tools ...

[Frieda P]

I'll have to check it out, hmmm interesting tools.

[Frieda P]

You sure that's the title? Only one i found is an oldie with Bette Davis....

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Sublimely full of vitriol and pathos, It reads so smoothly and has such impact.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thanks. This one was about someone I never could shake.