NO WORDS THROUGH BLUE TEETH © Harding Stedler |
Commentary: At a writers' conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, an elaborately-decorated birthday cake sat on the speakers' table waiting to be cut during the opening session. The dark blue icing gave the cake an especially regal look. During one of our breaks, the honoree was invited to cut the cake so the rest of us could share in the celebration. Marcia, a dear poet-friend of mine, declined. She did not want blue teeth. During the reading that followed, everyone but Marcia had blue teeth, and she was the one who stood out in the crowd, more conspicuous than ever, because her teeth were white. Harding Stedler Bonfire contributor |