The first poem in a new project called “Everyday Magic.” Play the audio to hear me brush my teeth.
Open the cupboard.
Take out toothpaste. Unscrew cap. Apply toothpaste to brush. Put cap back on toothpaste. Put toothpaste back in cupboard. Apply water to the brush.
Tap tap tap tap.
Holding the toothbrush with the right hand, gently apply the paste behind the teeth by biting down slightly on the bristles. Ready to begin. Hold the brush at a 45º angle to the gums, pushing and pulling the bristles back and forth over this line. Feel the sensation of cleanliness and care applied in and around the precious enamel.
Beginning with the lower left molars on the outside, brush back and forth. Pulling the right arm further to the right moves the brush around the front to the lower left premolars, the cuspid, and the central incisors. Then, flip the hand around to continue around the front to the lower right cuspid, the premolars, and the molars.
Work the brush around behind the lower right molar. Pull the hand outward in rhythmic motion while brushing back and forth along the back of the lower right premolars, the cuspid, and the central incisors. Then, flip the hand around to continue along the back of the lower left cuspid, the premolars, and the molars.
Spit.
Rotating the brush to the upper left molars on the outside, brush back and forth. Pulling the right arm further to the right moves the brush around the front to the upper left premolars, the cuspid, and the central incisors. Then, flip the hand around to continue around the front to the upper right cuspid, the premolars, and the molars.
Work the brush around behind the upper right molar. Pull the hand outward in rhythmic motion while brushing back and forth along the back of the upper right premolars, the cuspid, and the central incisors. Then, flip the hand around to continue along the back of the upper left cuspid, the premolars, and the molars.
Spit.
Rinse the toothbrush in water, suck the water out of the brush. Spit.
Turn the water on. Repeat this process.
Rinse the brush a final time.
Tap tap tap tap.
Put the toothbrush back in its holder. Take a gulp of water and rinse the mouth. Spit. Turn off the water. Flick water off fingers. Dry hands with a towel.
Close the cupboard.
The Artist’s Newsletter
This poem was discussed in the Letter from the New Moon of June 2020, which was published in the Artist’s Newsletter. Are you a subscriber?
