Mark Toney Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

12/28/2022

Poetry form: Free verse with a tanka-inspired influence.

When I was very young, I learned how to tie my shoes in a tight double knot, but I couldn't untie them. I tried and tried but to no avail. I was stubborn and didn't want to ask for help, but eventually, I had to ask my Mom or Dad to help me. And they did. It makes you wonder, who will untie the hard knots that humanity's responsible for?

Image by Mark Toney using Canva Pro

While Brushing My Teeth

while brushing my teeth …
tragedies occur worldwide
clashing ideologies
iron mixed with clay
stoking all my fears

while brushing my teeth …
railroad crossing warning lights
ignored by mankind
choosing to beat the turnstile
Russian roulette on steroids

while brushing my teeth …
greenhouse gasses mushrooming 
fossil fuel burning
weather patterns alarming
what of our children?

while brushing my teeth …
our friend Time becomes our foe
what’s wrong becomes right
heads buried in sand
darkness perverts civility

while brushing our teeth …
who will rescue us?
creation or Creator?
Master Potter’s loving touch
coils of clay willing to yield?

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Andrea Dietrich November 18, 2025 at 9:22 PM I wanted to come back here to see the poem you mentioned in the blog. It is unique . I have sometimes had it cross my mind that every second there is someone somewhere being abused or murdered. There are just too many people and too much evil in the world for it not to be true.

FJ Thomas February 2, 2023 at 8:45 PM Yes, those toes of iron and clay will not hold much longer. But He told us this already didn't he. Hold on a bit longer my friend :) Mark Toney February 2, 2023 at 9:07 PM So true, FJ. Thanks for stopping by.

Andrea Dietrich January 5, 2023 at 11:22 AM This is really beautiful, particularly the last two stanzas, Mark. While we go about our daily business, there is so much suffering in this world. I was so glad that you liked my shadow poet poem, Mark! Mark Toney January 6, 2023 at 8:11 AM You are very welcome, Andrea. Thank you for your continued support of my 2022 Poetry Marathon contest.

Beata Agustin December 30, 2022 at 6:52 AM Thanks for sharing this. By God's grace, I greet you with the peace and joy of Christmas toward a prosperous New Year along this present: "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23 of the King James Bible). God bless you. Mark Toney January 1, 2023 at 10:39 PM Beata, I am so glad that you liked my poem, and very much appreciate your well wishes and scriptural reference. My wish for you and yours is that “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, King James)

Valsa George December 29, 2022 at 10:11 PM Between day and night, so much happens. Unfortunately most of them are sad occurrences. We never submit ourselves to be shaped by the great Potter's hand. Profound thoughts... dear Mark. Wish you a Blessed New Year of peace and prosperity Mark Toney January 1, 2023 at 10:51 PM Valsa, I appreciate your insightful observations and gracious well wishes. May peace and prosperity come soon to all mankind.

Paula Goldsmith December 28, 2022 at 10:16 AM A creative write. Guess we need to think more "While Brushing My Teeth." Have A Merry/Happy/Healthy/Blessed New Year 2023......... Mark Toney December 28, 2022 at 11:49 AM Thank you, Paula, for your kind encouragement and well wishes!