I really should be glad it’s nothing worse.
I’m generally healthy – that’s the truth.
My aging cross to carry is the curse
of chronic gum disease. Today it’s tooth
enumerated 4 that I will lose
(it’s not my first but I’ll regret the loss).
The mystery is why – I always use
the recommended brushes, picks, and floss.

Aware I could be dealing with a flaw
more serious, like what besets my peers,
I’m trying to accept a rotten jaw,
put on a grateful attitude, shift gears,
and reckon while refusing to complain
it wasn’t sinus problems causing pain.