This has gone on long enough.

Once

you were bright, fresh

you still are.

Now, though,

the enamel has chipped, worn

away.

Please.

It hurts

decomposing, decayed

tether

you are a tooth

with rotting roots,

wretched,

it's not your fault.

And yet

I want to

tear you

from my flesh, fingers

digging in my own mouth

clawing, drawing

blackened blood from my gums.

Your presence

in my jaw

cannot be anything

but a cavity.