A letter to my braces (and ortho)

Dear braces,

Thank you for straightening my teeth. You did your job well. I am sorry I cannot appreciate you more. As it turns out, it has been 5 years since we parted ways and I still cannot think about the time we spent together without thought spiraling into an anxious wreck. Unfortunately my fantasies of a theoretical reunion bring only thoughts of misery, destruction, and lethality. I admit, it is of no fault of your own, though I do not believe it was mine either. I contend that you were only doing your job and I was too young to object to our meeting and ensuing relationship. I wish you good bye forever and hope that other people's encounter with you is more positive.

Rights and Obligations

I know the intent is pure.

I know malice is never the motive.

I know the mindset does not even conceive negativity here.

I know the meaning between the lines is only affection and pride.

So how can I justify the weirdness,

The disconnect, the discomfort?

How can I explain something I can't control?

I accept the statement's meaning,

Yet cringe in its form.

What right do I have to even enforce this?

And yet,

If I didn't explain my side,

I would die.

The me that kept those ties would dissolve

In that acidic environment.