Disposable

[Todd]

For me, I like it without the final lines. There were certain words that felt off to me, I'll let you decide if any of this kills the meter. Comments below:

Disposable

[size=small]Bills that come due are conveniently tossed
with the Lotto tickets carelessly lost--These two lines give a sense of denial and desperation. You get the feeling the person living through this is or at least sees themselves as disposable.

and the crumpled news of heinous crimes
become conscience-blurred beneath oven grime.--I'm not making the connection with oven grime and crumpled newspapers.

Where is that crushed milk carton's missing child:--good couplet, seems like it would work better without crushed though
dead or held captive by some pedophile?

Missing phone numbers are the lovelorn's lot,
with mislaid thongs as sole Forget-Me-Nots.--I realize this may require some adjustment but it may better without sole

Old tear-marked letters are now coffee stained
as the ink has run, but harsh words remain.--maybe cut as and add a the before harsh.

Moths ruined the linens that mom crocheted
for festive spreads that were never displayed.

Bloody bandages of our unhealed wounds
become life's reminders in scarred festoon.

Just some thoughts to consider, Chris. I like the ideas here.

Best,

Todd