I was nine and you were thirty.
You had no teeth and you were dirty.
Martha.

I thought that you were twice your age.
Weathered face, internal rage.
Martha.

You told me that I had to kiss you.
Kiss you and that I will miss you.
Martha.

I screamed and cried, "It's time to go!"
But time stood still to watch this show.
Martha.

"Kiss her, David!" "On the lips!"
You grabbed me tight with finger tips.
Martha.

I cringed and cried. And I was frigthened.
Everything was really heightened.
Martha.

Your lips were pursed.
My lips were cursed.
Martha.

And then the kiss.
I tried to miss.
Martha.

Creases, cracks, really dry.
I was crying, "No!" and "Why?"
Martha.

We left your house. Got in the car.
This had gone on way too far.
Martha.

Mom and Dad thought this was funny.
My eyes were still wet and runny.
Martha.

Your lips had traumatized me then.
From that point on to who knows when.
Martha.

Martha.
Martha.
Martha.

03/20/2008

Author's Note: When I was young, my grandfather remarried. He met a woman half his age, but to me, she looked much older. Her name was Martha and she had no teeth.

Posted on 03/20/2008
Copyright © 2026 David Garner