Gumball Poetry - Poetry by Laurel K. Dodge

Laurel K. Dodge

Gaps

My teeth, rooted in my gums
like oak trees, permanent,
immovable, have begun to drift
in my mouth, a slow imperceptible
shift so subtle my dumb tongue
cannot sense the ineffable,
glacial movement.

In five years, the impenetrable
wall of my incisors has divided,
each tooth separated from the other.
Like the Wife of Bath, I am an amorous
woman:  my gap-toothed grin is proof
enough for Chaucer.  My experience
lisps through the naked spaces
between each vulnerable tooth.

What then is the measurement
in millimeters of grief for the gaps
between teeth drifted, wandered
from the root, or the distance between
your silent back and my uncertain
hand; a cool expanse of night
sleeps between us.

Laurel K. Dodge lives in N. Canton, Ohio where she is studying as a non-traditional student at a branch campus of Kent State University for her English major. This is her first time in print.

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9.09.2000
Porridgeface

Toothsome to a point
Teeth moving, leaving gaps, symbols for the gulf between lovers, one's back turned to the other's outreaching hand.
A creative poem, that needs a little more revision to up it a notch.
First stanza - too paradoxical - rooted things move.
Second stanza - very strong, and the main reason for the four-star rating - gap-tooth sexiness skilfully established through historical reference and the idea of "lisps".
Third stanza - good images up to "hand". Ending not powerful enough.

8.19.2000
james lineberger from Jackson Hole WY

this is wonderful stuff. standing up applause here.
cool, detached, and yet deeply emotional all at once. a fine, fine piece.

8.14.2000
Jeanette V Helmbrecht from Oakbrook Terrace IL

Excellent piece of work!
This poem is an unusual metaphor that leads to a stunning conclusion -- a real bell-ringer. Shows much thought and planning in composition. Done by a real artist in my opinion.

8.10.2000
Metz from WI

first of many!
This is excellent, Laurel. The Chaucer reference perfect and sets up the irony of the cool lover at end. See ya at RT.
-- Metz

8.07.2000
Liliana from PA, USA

Love the message at the end
I was surprised to learn that it's Mz Dodge's first time in print. Way to go!

8.03.2000
Jasmine from newmarket, ontario

subtle
Wow, I love how the real message sort of creeps up on you. I didn't even find myself liking the poem until the last stanza, then it all came together. The poem is not bedezined with a lot of colorful words. I enjoyed it.