I reserved this many years ago for when there was nothing left.

 

Waterstick

Astringent,

stripped down

bone - beige;

weather'd

calcium

rising to meniscus:

 

clear wet

dust

become mud;

the electric

potential

will pull you,

later,

round the mouth,

round the grin.

 

dry lips,

dry gin:

dental string

 

along the waterstick,

and fluid

hips

cracking

in sympathy.

 

Chris Hubbard

1995