Verse from the Village

The mouth is the starting point of digestion. Everything that we put into it is then ground down for consumption. And this goes beyond food. Your experiences, memories, and history all at some point journey through the mouth. Or at the very least, are recorded there. This poetry collection is an examination of first impressions and how we don’t get to know a person until they open their mouths. Through someone’s mouth, you’ll discover everything there ever is to know about a person, from first glance to harrowing pillars of their identity. Their identity, behaviors, and diet are all recorded through their teeth which can ultimately affect their voice and the very telling of their story. How to Bear Your Teeth at Strangers challenges growth through the lens of orthodontia, discovering that behind a smile lies truth and memories that shape how we present ourselves.