The Toothache

I wish that I had choked and died On those chocolate candy bars. I wish my mom had tanned my hide About those tempting cookie jars. I wish that I'd been tarred and feathered For the dinners that I skipped Because I preferred to gorge my taste On Lays Potato Chips. I'd like of course to quite forget The delightful sweet 'life savers' Which turned out to be unfortunately A roll of nice teeth haters. I wonder why my father Didn't put a final stop To the in-and-out of the refrigerator door For another soda pop. In truth, I would have received more mercy From a family of alligators Than the sticky, gooey caramel Of flavored 'Now and Laters'. The bantering I'll put aside For I must now reflect On the searing pain that's gripped me Consuming tooth and jaw and neck. I do agree the joke's on me Now would someone please find The 'painkillers'; the Orajel Before I lose my mind. RETA PRUITT August 8, 2016