over twenty dollars a tooth

i think my

dentist is gouging me,

and not just

with drills

and needles, sharp

metal tools,

yesterday she took

thirty-six x rays

of my mouth,

and i only have twenty

two teeth.

five hundred dollars

payable by cash

or check.

she insists on me 

coming in

every six months,

regardless,

cavities or not.

she showed me a plan

yesterday

for gum enhancement,

that's next.