While Brushing My Teeth

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12/28/2022

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 …
tragedies occur worldwide
iron mixed with clay
flooding my senses daily
filling my bottle of tears

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
reality's fire consumes

while brushing our teeth …
our friend Time becomes our foe
heads buried in sand
the more we know the less we learn
lies exhumed as truth entombed

while brushing our teeth …
one higher than the highest 
watches from above
master potter's loving touch
coils of clay willing to yield?

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FJ Thomas

Date: 2/2/2023 8:45:00 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
Date: 2/2/2023 9:07:00 PM

So true, FJ. Thanks for stopping by.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 1/5/2023 11:22:00 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
Date: 1/6/2023 8:11:00 AM

You are very welcome, Andrea. Thank you for your continued support of my 2022 Poetry Marathon contest.

Beata Agustin

Date: 12/30/2022 6:52:00 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
Date: 1/1/2023 10:39:00 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

Date: 12/29/2022 10:11:00 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
Date: 1/1/2023 10:51:00 PM

Valsa, I appreciate your insightful observations and gracious well wishes. May peace and prosperity come soon to all mankind.

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 12/28/2022 10:16:00 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
Date: 12/28/2022 11:49:00 AM

Thank you, Paula, for your kind encouragement and well wishes!