I find feral smiles intriguing,
especially the bits and pieces
of meat left sticking between the teeth.
You’ve dribbled a bit.
It’s just a rusty dot
on the front of your shirt
matching a blob
on your napkin.
I’m not the first to watch you eat.
Though I’m certain
I’m one of the few that observe.
Observation leads to fascination.
That’s where many get into trouble.
Fascination may lead to
softening the harsh lines
so clearly delineated by napkin stains,
perhaps even make
one want to trust.
I see where trust would get me.
It’s right there between your teeth.
I intend to be the only one leaving this table.
And I have plenty of floss in my purse
for afterwards.
Song Choice: Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar.
This poem was inspired by the prompt given over at Imaginary Gardens With Real Toads, Carpe Jugulum
I think you will make it... Just watch those teeth and you'll escape his plate... Beware of fascination, a great advice.
ReplyDeleteI'd place my money on the narrator as well :D
DeleteYour opening stanza is just excellent. I love the quite patronizing tone throughout and the surprise ending.
ReplyDeleteI was really happy that bit of tone came across.
DeleteLove the snark here, the thinly veiled contempt--your metaphors are very fresh and effective, Rommy--I was smiling throughout, as I think we have all had a few dinners with a cannibal somewhere along the line. I hope you brought some after-dinner mints.
ReplyDeleteI prefer Trader Joe's green tea mints for just such an occasion.
DeleteFearless and prepared! Brave and funny! Love it!
ReplyDeleteA little prep work helps control the fear a bit ;)
DeleteYou had me at "feral smiles". And after that, you just kept me. I love the way how it feels as if the speaker is saying every word through an emotionless face, she might even have a notepad in her hand... writing... plotting... making sense of how all will end.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, the speaker is taking note of every morsel eaten and how to respond in kind.
Delete(✿◠‿◠) Leaving alive, good choice
ReplyDeletemuch love...
It's certainly a good option! :)
DeleteI see where trust would get me ... excellent line. <3
ReplyDelete*grin* Thanks!
DeleteLove that ending!
ReplyDeleteI do too!
Deleteyou lured me in with such an innocent feeling - right up util the end :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm quite good at playing innocent, for a little while at least.
DeleteI totally get that...the fascination...getting sucked into the observation of things. Excellent poem!
ReplyDeleteYep! You can be fascinated, but don't drop your guard.
DeleteExcellent! I could see and feel everything you wrote!
ReplyDeleteThat is high praise! Thanks!
Deleteferal smiles... oh, yes. Watch out indeed. Quite the warning.
ReplyDeleteAnd likely one of the last warnings one will get if they fail to heed it.
DeleteLove that opening! This is dark, just my cup of tea!!
ReplyDelete