I\'ve missed reading poetry, and this sums up politics in an interesting way.

I think the majority of the UK would agree with the principles behind this also! It\'s really good opening piece for the site. Thanks for sharing!

Yep, my sentiment exactly. Politics is a constant gnawing pain that, despite it having chipped away at you for years, it remains to torment you, despite you having long given up. Great poetry!

I really like the comparison of politics to a toothache. When our \"leaders\" make the wrong decisions for our world it\'s definitely reminiscent of a gnawing toothache that just won\'t go away and won\'t let you go about your day. As someone who\'s had all four wisdom teeth removed at one time, I can attest that toothaches are the worst thing ever haha

I would never of thought about it myself, but both politics and toothache are quite similar. Its an interesting poem and i was reading on wondering what will come next. Great!

Oh how I have missed these posts. Great to see HAP back :-)I found the repetition of the last line quite powerful in multiple ways. As a statement to reinforce the imagery of the stanza creates a stand alone viewpoint that collectively create a degredating view of politics. Concluding each comment with this line reinforces the point that politics can wear you down just as persistant toothache.The final stanza is a perfect conclusion as it draws together the two themes that at first seem so diametrically opposed yet prove to serve as the perfect emphasis of the other. 

\"\"the good citizens shambledown nosy streets unawarethey are collared and counted\" That was my favorite part.  I feel like you could write a whole other poem, just on that topic.  I always loved your poetry, and this poem is no exception.   If I were to edit anything it would be the line \'phantom, residual\" mainly because it is so different from the rest of the poem, though I know sometimes difference is good for effect and if that was your intent then perhaps editing it would be a mistake.  On successive readings I changed my mind and think it\'s a perfect way to wind down but I left what I wrote after the first read through.  I enjoyed the whole thing and love your \"the mouth is mangled mush\"  the alliteration in your work is sometimes subtle, but always invokes great imagery.   Welcome Back Master HAP!

I like the balance within the words you used, I do not know much about poetry but i liked this.

Another excellent piece of work. Love the comparison. We suffer here in Australia - governrment hell-bent on being mini-America, doing everything you already proved doesn\'t work - talk about seeing that abscess in advance...