Inspired by a visit to the dentist. I was struck by the parallels between having root work and extractions to my therapy for PTSD.
Treatment
by Patrick Howse21 Aug 2013
Probing, scraping, scratching,
Each delicate twitch
A scything sweep.
Clattering mirror, drill,
Forceps bloody
On white enamel,
Life’s lumped accumulation,
Debris, pain,
Deeply excavated.
The creaking tooth’s
An old tree
In the felling gale.
I take it home with me.