About Time

[Delta40]

I've checked my watch and it's
about time for your front teeth
to come loose.
I often catch you like this, hand
fixed over your mouth,
as if you're working in secret.
It is so obvious but sweet too.

People might think you're shy
but I know you're concentrating
with all your might
while you persevere
in this age old task.
I love you more each time you do it!

I crunch on a granny smith
and urge you to work at it harder.
It's really very funny to watch
and who knows?
The tooth fairy might visit!

Your brows crease
as effort reaches its peak
through the muffled sounds
of your bony hands.

wiggle
waggle
jiggle

At last!
The teeth come out.
I cheer for your great achievement
and put the kettle on to celebrate.
If you want me to laugh each time I visit,
just keep buying denture glue Grandma!

[PrinceMyshkin]

Of course I read this until the last verse as being about a child shedding her baby teeth, but the affection was just as strong and rich when I discovered who it was really about. Such a nice, light touch!

[Haunted]

Very loving, sweet and poignant. I never cared for an old person this intimately but I feel that I gained some experience just by reading your poem.

[Delta40]

I like how we seem to go full circle in our lives

[Jerrybaldy]

For some reason I thought of an adult from the off, although in my twisted mind they were sat removing their own teeth for a purpose I was yet to settle on. Memorable Delta.

[JackieGinger]

I often catch you like this, hand
fixed over your mouth,
as if you're working in secret.
It is so obvious but sweet too.

These verses seem so simple, yet they are magnificent in their personal simplicity!
Loved it!

[deryk]

Normally, I immediately associate teeth in poetry with death, that irrational dream-fear of losing them in the night. I love how you've taken that subject and wiggled and bent it into the shape of youth, despite the great revelation of old age at the end, which makes it all the more satisfying.