Poem: What Hides Behind My Smile

Teeth know better than anyone
what a person is going through.

When my grandfather died
they packed together at night
clenching, trying to hold each other.

They see salty rivers
pass by when the dam breaks
and the lips don’t know
when to close during
a season of grief.

They see the sweet chocolate
calling for endorphins.
The comfort food that reminds
me of home.

The teeth have seen
the tongue practice
poetry-laced words.

Feel the abrasive
acid of anxiety
and chatter when the world
gets too cold.

They hide behind lips,
fake happiness when called,
and keep secrets
even I don’t know.