Reflections From The Dentist's Chair Poem by Lori Boulard
Reflections From The Dentist's Chair
I dreaded this day for weeks,
watching the black X on the calendar march ever closer,
regressing back to toddler years in my mind.
As I pull into the parking lot
I wonder who else is here for voluntary pain.
The assistant walks me down the hall to the room.
It’s the one at the far end, surrounded by windows,
ensuring no possible escape
and insulating my shrieks from those
here for just a routine cleaning.
My eyes tiptoe around my cell
darting from one sharp metal object to another.
It occurs to me that intelligent modern people
spend thousands to attend schools of high regard
to learn the trade of torture.
Were they picked last for dodge ball?
If so, I am terribly, terribly sorry.
The dentist enters, singing.
“Let’s get started, ” he says with a smile.
I wonder if my attorney has my latest will
and I remind myself to call my mother
if my speech survives intact.
A pinprick later fur fills my mouth,
and he leaves me to gaze upon
advertisements for superior oral health.
They mock me, chiding me with the message
that it's all my fault.
The radio is on, but will not suffice this time.
I plug in my headphones to drown out
this cruel world, and switch on a favorite, loudly.
Nothing left to do now but surrender
to The Chair and the guitars in my brain.
But after a few peaceful moments of lying back,
staring blankly out the window at the autumn morning,
Novocain and music coursing through my body,
I suddenly realize that this could quite possibly be
the best part of my day.
Brilliant depiction of the gamut of emotions that we all run through on a visit to the dentist's. Thoroughly enjoyable poem. Congrats.!
That was fun to read, Lori. The narrative descriptions were extremely vivid. The turn-around at the end is well-honed. I have a dentist one, 'Feeling the Bite'. We could put out an anthology of dental poems!
You made my dental appointment come to life, and you weren't even there! Beyond the poem, very good by itself, I thank you for the inspiration to keep practicing, and to write.
I liked 'Perfect Kiss' and I like this. Partly, I'll admit it's because I get this poetry. I get what it's about. I understand it. I get it on a visceral level, because who hasn't at one time or another undergone dental work. Lol, I also like that I don't have to look up words (which I do from time to time) . This one really puts me in the moment and by the way, the last line caught me totally by surprise and had me laughing. Because I also understand that. Peace, L&T
We've all been here at one time or another. Oh my God, I've got to go next week!
I was never afraid of Dentists maybe because mine was a lovely one. I really liked the ending and I couldn't agree more. At the end it might be the most relaxful part of your day! Great write! HBH
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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4/26/2024 1:27:51 AM # 1.0.0.1119
I've had that feeling too Lori. I also have written one on going to the dentist, called 'The Scream' a bit different from your write, but it does give scope. Very good observation. Sincerely Ernestine Northover