The Old Tooth Stump

It crumbled altogether, yet its black root dug itself yet deeper. Perhaps I had been grinding nocturnal jaws together - excavating bone. A tender spike remains above the gum, it pulls at the mind wanting to be touched by a cringing tip of tongue. The dentist is digging his way through. a knee on my chest tugging and sweating. My face feels like it has caved inward, I suckle the stale air of my throat through a mouth washing hose. He grunts. challenged by the stubborn stump. I encourage him with my eyes. They crinkle at the sides laughing at a joke we both shall tell later.