You May Need Some Gum Work

what about tomorrow
at 7 a.m.
the dental receptionist says,
trying to fill
her January calendar.
x-rays, cleaning?

I just had a cleaning a few
weeks ago.

june, she says. and no x-rays.

but my teeth are good.
haven't had a tooth ache
in forty years.

7 a.m.? she says again.
the doctor says you really need
to get in here.

she wants to talk to you about
your gums.

my gums?
yes, she says she can transfer
skin from other places and reinforce
your gums.

we can do a seven step skin graft.
you're getting long in the tooth.

I almost tell her to jump in a lake,
or something to that effect, but
instead say,

sounds expensive.

I go the mirror and look at my gums.
they look nice and pink.
perfectly fine.

okay, i'll be in tomorrow at 7,
but no gum work.

just a nice cleaning.
okay. it's your mouth, she says.

7 sharp, don't be late.