They know your threads,

the shining ones,

floating like spiderwebs

one blow to clear them.

The thicker ones,

that may dent kitchen scissors.

The biggest ones,

that anchor your soul.

They could blow,

they could cut

Instead,

they teach you new knots,

bring you stronger ropes,

and new anchors.

Whether or not this year's family reunion will be scarring me for life is hanging by a thread on Grandma Cecil’s swimsuit top as she stretches over the cooler for another “Natty Daddy.” My fate now relies on the craftsmanship of an underpaid Walmart seamstress who probably hated her job.

most days

that's me.

sometimes

it's my

imaginary

doggie gone

walking.

we call her

Creativity.

she's a needle-

nose-plier

on the prowl

in the salvage-

yard on the

industrial

North-side

where nailed

sheet-metal

siding dangles

and substrate-

plywood boards

my would-be

windows-

to-the-world.

I call that

Sleep...

08.02.2023

Hanging-by-a-Thread-challenge @VividHues

Each of my teeth

Is hanging by a thread

On top and underneath

Each is dangling from my head

When windy they tintinnabulate

Chiming with chagrin

People with noses abdicate

From the halitosis downwind

I dangle them in chlorine

To one day prepare

For oral hygiene

And regular professional care

The other day I found a spider in my car, dangling in front of my face.

Now, driving on the road, something brushes against my leg. I imagine that great hairy legged fella crawling across my lap.

I dare to look.

Only to see my button… Hanging by a thread.