the wait

there are no silk plants here
no dog-eared magazines
no mass-produced vinyl-cushioned chairs
no clock-face on the door that says
'will return at. . .'
there's no clipboard for signing in
no aide calls out names in order of arrival
no elevator music
no brochure display to pass the time

here there are pills
and needles
weak smiles
phone messages
prayers and weary sighs
expanses of empty space and time
fuzzy calendars

welcome to the waiting room