Milton Ehrlich’s most recent poem to appear here was “Hungry for Love in the Sludge of Staten Island” (July 2017)

There Is No Now in Waiting 
By Milton Ehrlich

As I wait for the dentist’s assault,
my breathing grinds to a halt.

Anticipating pain,
my neck and shoulders tighten up.

A metallic taste in my mouth.

Then,
I sense subtle movements
in my deepening breath.

My tongue and jaw let go.

I sit in the dentist’s chair.

Now.