see you in six months

after twelve

x-rays,

and working on my

teeth

and gums for 30 minutes

with miniature miners

tools,

buffers and sanders,

the hygienist disappears

to fetch

the dentist.

she's wearing

a pale blue jacket

and puts her hand on

my shoulder.

kindness

and pain so often go

together.

let's keep an eye

on that one

tooth.

it's fine

for now, but let's see

if there are

any changes down the road.

she smiles,

her teeth are perfect,

beautiful.

she glides out as if on

a cloud.

time for fluoride the hygienist

says,

so what will it be,

what flavor?

mint, chocolate, vanilla

or strawberry.

surprise me, i tell her.