The Wolf Den: Potentially Abscessed Man

From Contributing Editor Clay Riness
Editor In Chief, The Weary Wolf Journal

In honor of my dental appointment this morning, I hearken you back to 2003 when I developed my first abscessed molar, and after too many years of avoiding the dentist, got the news that I was dreading. I am happy to say that, although my choppers are not getting better, they are also not getting worse, as I have been true and faithful to them ever since...after having gotten the hell scared out of me.

This performance is from a concert at Folklore Village in Dodgeville, Wisconsin and appears on my 2004 album, Little Windows. This song was written less than 48 hours before the performance.

Listen to Potentially Abscessed Man:

Potentially Abscessed Man
By
Clay Riness

You don’t see it coming. It happens one day.
You suddenly feel you’re not feeling okay.
A low throbbing lingers down deep in your head.
It’s a festering molar, and a day full of dread.
Two or three days and you feel even worse.
Who could cast such a spell and bring on such a curse?
Every breath is a brand new adventure in pain,
But you’re still in denial though dread still remains.

I’m long in the tooth, many years from my youth.
So heed this advice if you can.
I will sing from the heart to offer my part,
A potentially abscessed man.

Finally you’re sure it’s the doctor you need.
The pain is so crippling you can’t even eat.
And then in dental crisis you pray for the chair.
You’d pay twice the fee if he’d just put you there.
“The x-rays are gloomy” he says as he squints,
“but it’s got to come out.” You say “good” as you wince.
Two pricks of the needle, your face is gone numb
And extraction comes quickly and soon it is done.

I’m long in the tooth, many years from my youth.
So heed this advice if you can.
I will sing from the heart to offer my part,
A potentially abscessed man.

When it’s over he comes to you bearing bad news.
Periodontally speaking, your teeth are all loose.
There are pockets and plaque and the bone loss is stout,
And your gums have receded. Your teeth may fall out.
So stock up on your toothbrushes and your toothpaste.
And whenever you eat then go flossing post haste.
And at pain’s slightest sign you should do what you can.
‘Cause you might be a potentially abscessed man.

I’m long in the tooth, many years from my youth.
So heed this advice if you can..
Take good care of your gums or one day you’ll become
A potentially abscessed man.

© Copyright 2004 Clay M. Riness

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Potentially Abscessed Man