The Judgement of the Teeth

and lo
the teeth rose
gnashing in mouths

the molars ground
crushing all
between them and food

plaque spread
like a plague
coating all lands

gums bled
in silent rebellion

cursed was the tongue
caught
between crushing teeth
and slow ruin

wisdom teeth erupted
unholy
mocking every prayer

toothbrushes and floss lay broken
abandoned

dentists
desperate prophets
cried into the void
but teeth heeded no call

the toothless laughed
empty mouths
hearts wary

in the end
the teeth devoured
all comfort
all sweetness
all peace

leaving only gnashing
the bitter taste
of regret

hear me
children of enamel and bone
blessed are those who feared the teeth
they inherit
the pain of restraint