The Unmentionable Fear

The atmosphere is filled with gloom;

Books on a table, fish in a tank

Nobody speaking, all hearts have sank.

The door's not shut and noise comes through

Cheerful voices and a radio too;

All of a sudden a high pitched whine

Has tummies churning, even mine.

Someone comes in and looks around

Everything's quiet not a sound;

You hope, you pray it's not you yet,

Wait five more minutes, till your nerves have set.

Faces are pale all eyes to the floor,

Hope it's not me next through the door;

If it is then it won't be fair,

It can't be my turn for the dentists' chair.

My legs propel me to that dreaded place,

Why does the dentist have such a happy face;

Does he understand the peoples' fear

And the courage it takes to get here.

Laying back with mouth open wide

Just seems so totally undignified:

I give thanks as I rinse from the cup

That today's appointment was just a check-up!