Little Joe has got in the dentist chair
heard the drill outside waiting there
grip the arms with his sweaty palms
and wonders does the old man care?

The smiling nurse puts a bib on him
feels it awkward underneath his chin
opens wide upon that upward slide
to get his head on the rest and begin.

In all that white Joe thinks of blood
what if he slips and cuts him good?
the sharp tools lined up as he drools
squirting red where this guy stood.

What if that light drops on his head?
or if he's injected and ends up dead?
his mouth closing in fear as he's near
dentist's fingers in sterile gloves all red.

Joe shuts his eyes to fight this hard
feels the prodding with no regard
this might be routine as all is seen
but finds it hard his teeth to guard.

What if the tool to hold up his gum
slips out and he bites off his thumb?
what's it taste of? would it go down?
to get even will they leave him numb?

Joe's got the dentist, faces the drill
it's got him anxious, nervous still
counts to ten slowly in his head then
opens his eyes to watch as they kill.

But it's all over and he's to rinse out
spits pink stuff and spreads it about
wipes his misses where that Miss is
wonders if that stain will come out.

And he's done and endured at last
tears in his eyes get out of there fast
keep your sweet - just using his feet
to beat a retreat and put it in the past!



© .Garry Saunders