The Assault of Chewing

That smack,

that wet, relentless smack—

a rhythm pounding through the quiet kitchen.

Every bite a slap, every crunch a crack

breaking patience like brittle glass.

The sandwich lies half-eaten,

brambles of crumbs scattered

like scattered nerves,

while your jaw works like a machine,

a beast gnawing at the last shred of silence.

I count the seconds between,

waiting for mercy,

but the sound crashes onward,

a tidal wave of smacks and smears.