By Shem Onderi
My mouth—
You are my everything.
You feed me:
With food,
With words,
With everything in between.
You taste it all,
Chew it,
Shape it for swallowing—
Long before I think to digest.
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Your placement is no accident:
Front and center,
Where all humanity’s interest rests.
What you speak comes to pass.
Your voice carries command—
Be it song, rebuke, or blessing.
Through you, I gain.
I lose.
I broker deals.
I make progress.
You helped me gain weight—
You also made me lose it.
You enjoy every flavor;
What flows down is just leftovers.
For you, it’s all about chewing—
What a glutton you are!
I blame you for my shape—
Clothes don’t fit, my figure’s a puzzle.
Each body part rebels differently.
Just agree to close.
Learn silence,
If only for a few hours each day.
You might save my character,
My reputation—
Even protect me from government spies.
So many have fallen—
Imprisoned, ruined,
Wounded—
Because of words you spilled.
Friends pull away when I speak,
Your breath offends them.
Remind me to sanitize you.
Mouth—speak softly.
Pause when needed.
Let the brain weigh in first.
My future will flourish
When you are closed.
Open only when called upon.
For as long as you stay open—
Your love of eating,
Your reckless speech—
Will always be
Your greatest undoing.
Just shut!
