to do list

I went to the dentist today.
Sterilize me,
bleach, scrape, poke.
I am raw and helpless before you,
whirring whiteness all around.
I give you pleading eyes:
please save me from this mess.
Swish and spit, you tell me. Swish and spit.
I went to the car wash today.
Massive mops attacked us,
they couldn’t seem to reach as far as they had hoped.
Hot wax and three rinses,
blind me with soap and then clean me,
I am quiet and excited in the dark.
The radio plays steadily on.
Go, you tell me. It’s time to go.
I showed up at your house today.
Colonial and clean,
dark green couches and a glowing TV.
Silence me, offer me a drink,
You stood there at a loss.
Swish and spit, I told you.
It’s time to go.