Deep Cleaning

I bought a new tube of toothpaste on

Tuesday, long before the old one ran out.

Its label claimed in red type Deep Cleaning.

So, in truth, had the earlier one, but this tube

Seemed genuinely alarmed about my gums

I was still applying paste from the old tube, 

But my eyes stayed fixed upon its plump 

successor waiting beside it in a glass.

I should simply switch now, I thought.

The transfer will happen soon enough. 

And, when I was younger, I might have

Made the switch sooner, without qualms.

But that old tube said, “I have more to give

If you’ll just squeeze from the bottom”.

I paused my sonic brushing, looked at

The worn tube living out its final days

with cracking paint and the words

Deep Cleaning now crushed into 

something reading like Dee ing. So I

grabbed the new tube and slid it

Into the drawer by the sink. There

Will be time enough for you to shine.

For now, hail a gallant old warrior in 

the battle against tartar and plaque,

Dying in his noble halter just for me.

Thank you, sir, for your brave service.