Schoolyard Dentistry

Dad didn’t know
but who would’ve guessed
loose teeth come easy
for ten-year-old boys.

Showed it to mom
who thought it was strange
but not strange enough
to notice the fear.

Put another quarter
under his pillow
third one this week
he placed it that night.

And just the next day
where no one would see
two cruel little monsters
hold the boy down.

as a third plays dentist
laughing while he works
rusted pliers plying
in a terrified mouth.

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