Driver Mike

Talking to driver Mike on the 201
is painful like a conversation
with the Dentist mid-cavity crack
Buzzing lights (flicker a bit)
churning snowtires
Handicap wheelchair rack shakes

He's rambling:
"Archie's in rehab...

Carly Simon...
Mom's not here...

Itsy Bitsy Spider..."

I keep the exchange going with some:
"Really?" and "No kidding"s

He's humming a children's jingle
Lets out a hearty laugh from the gut

"Only two more hours!" he shouts.

My jaw takes on a pain
an ache emergent from
past bad dental experiences with Dr. Lehman-
There is a time for silence.