I probably shouldn't, but I laughed out loud when I read " Festering skank riding an odorous wave of egotistical dross, bilious heap of filth."

There have been times ( in the past ) when I have spewed out words like this.

Great poem

Love Mand xxxxxx

I posted it twice somehow!

I've just read out to my husband, He liked it to.

He he

Love Mand xxxxx

Lou,

as you know I was privy to this before posting, but still wanted to drop by and read again.

I know the details behind this one and feel you have captured the moment with some fine descriptions.

I had to look up 'Expunge'...a great word indeed...I must use that sometime.

It reads really well, but I can't recall if i suggested any changes or if i did, if you've used them...but whatever, I do like the feel of this one.

I like the title too and I like the fact you never use the word 'toxic' in the actual poem.

The only thing I would mention is you've used the word 'ego' and 'egotistic'...so I wonder if you should replace one of them with an alternative word to prevent the slight repetition? maybe, 'conceit' in place of ego in this stanza:

Gasping, fighting for breath amongst the putrid smell ,
of ego, ambition,
and dead hope.

kind regards,

HS

You'll have to share (privately)with me your bible of mellifluous words, Lou.

;-)

~A