floss more

the dentist is relentless.
floss,
she says.
you're not flossing enough.
your brushing
is fine,
real good, but i can't
say enough about
how important it is for
you to floss.
we've gone through this
so many times.
don't you care about your teeth?
your health?
my mouth is full of cotton,
while a hooked tube
sucks
saliva out of my cheeks.
my eyes water, but i nod
yes, in that meek trapped
sort of way.
okay,
she says.
your x rays look great.
mindy will finish up here
and i'll see you in
six months.
she taps me on the head
like a small child.
floss she says.