hello doctor hardy...

I am confident

that you said "no"

to playing chicken on your bike

at age eight,

just after your new permanent teeth settled in.

I am confident

that if you did indeed say "yes"

to playing chicken on your bike

at age eight

just after your new front teeth came in

that you swerved at just the right moment

and then rode off for a chocolate-cherry soda at Finch's Drug.

I am confident

that Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark

feels my gratitude,

and that tomorrow I will step through the 11:11 portal

with success, ease, and minimal discomfort.

I am confident

that within the year

I will say "hello doctor hardy,

I bite, I smile, I shine - thank you..."

xox - eb.