Notes About The Poem

Mother In-Law’s Tongue

In this woke world I’d soon be hung
If I had had your spiteful tongue
How ironic that its wagging
Only stopped when you were gagging

And as I tried to grab the shard
Of chicken bone that was stuck hard
I grappled with what I could grip
And when you flinched… I heard a rip

You spasmed like you’d just been stung
And left me with your severed tongue
My sense of humour must be black:
Your tongue is mounted on a plaque

I’ve kept it from my wife and kids
To keep my marriage off the skids
So they don’t know that though you’re dead
A bit of of you is in my shed

So there I sat; my hide of choice
And thought about your nagging voice
And when your tongue began to jiggle
I won’t pretend it made me giggle

It made a move like licking lips
And flicked a few saliva drips
It looked ’round with its probing tip
Then sensed me… and it gave me gyp
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Fowler Avatar
April 3, 2025 at 1:09 PM
OMGosh Terry! can't stop laughing. This is hysterical. You never fail to bring a smile to my face. Thank you! :)
Flood Avatar
April 3, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Thanks, Linda. Stephen King could have a field day with this one… well…. Maybe a short story!
Radice Avatar
March 18, 2025 at 12:40 AM
Classic Terry Flood. Now that made me laugh out loud. Your tongue poem deffo has teeth! :) Nice one Terry. Cheers - Gary
Flood Avatar
April 3, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Thanks, Gary. Funny how often I google stuff in the name of poetry… in this case, “Do non-Brits know what Mother in laws tongue is?” O, how we slave for our art! Terry
Edmonds  Avatar
March 14, 2025 at 4:28 AM
Terry, I’ve heard of splitting hairs, but not tongues, something tells me in the past, I got things wrong. Haven’t a trophy on the wall, but I think maybe my words say it all… Beryl
Flood Avatar
April 3, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Thanks, Beryl. Haven’t had a mother in law for many years, so this wasn’t based on anybody in particular…. Honest guvnor ;-)
M  Avatar
March 13, 2025 at 2:37 AM
You are so clever with your humour my F.F! Your poem is funny, gross (especially that picture!!) haha and amazing….Love it! Debx
Flood Avatar
April 3, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Thanks, Deb. This is an abridged version of the original, which began, “For God’s sake, woman, stop your nagging.” In this world, I thought I’d be verbally lynched… so this was the cuter, cuddlier version ;-)
Cunningham Avatar
March 12, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Lol, I hope your mother in law doesn't see this one.. Tom
Flood Avatar
March 12, 2025 at 5:26 PM
I’m quite safe from that eventuality these days, Tom. Besides… I’m good at hiding ;-)
Allison Avatar
March 12, 2025 at 4:25 PM
ha ha ha - a totally unique take on mother in laws tongue - love the poem and the picture is priceless! hugs jan xx
Flood Avatar
March 12, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Held onto this for a month or two as I didn’t want to offend Mother In-Laws everywhere. But my mind’s a blank so…… sorry M.I.Ls of the world. The picture looks simple enough, but it took me ages to cobble the bits together. So glad you enjoyed, Jan. Terry
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace