DENTAL APPOINTMENT

In the dental chair, the dentist says,
I’m not going to use any anesthetic.
You’ll thank me later. This way
you’ll learn how to tolerate pain.
You can go anywhere from New Orleans
to Baghdad, you’ll smile,
feel nothing. Yes, I have to rip out
every tooth, put tiny nails in
your gums. What do you mean
you question my credentials?
I wear the mask. You’re in the chair.
Now open wide.


Kenneth Pobo's new book of poems, GLASS GARDEN, will come out from WordTech Press in 2008. Catch his radio show, "Obscure Oldies," on Saturdays from 6-8pm EST at WDNR.com.