We set the date a month ago. And since,
I’ve thought about what’s coming now and then.
It took the surgeon seconds to convince
me of necessity to once again
relieve me of two molars I don’t need –
one loose and one with pockets carved beneath.
Tomorrow is the day we both agreed
I’d sit sedated while he takes the teeth.

So far in aging it has been my luck
to only rot in mouth precociously.
I pull my card again, say what the fuck,
with gratitude that’s all that’s pulled from me,
appreciating I’ve no graver ills,
as well as the prescription for some pills.