waiting to know

morning at the medical center

look at the people     sitting resignedly   waiting for an examination of their body, their lungs, heart, and bones... flu shots, pneumonia shots and injections to''' feel better''

they all have their stories, their times now and past,   and each one   could  be a book

the lady with white hair, glasses and a bony body, dressed in a      pantsuit and meekly waiting for dr know     she was the child who loved balloons, and roller skating as fast as could be,   she was the teen who had boys chasing her around and around till she fell down,   she was the bride on the arms of her dad,  the mother in labor squeezing  out the new flesh and soul,  and  after the hard work was through, she now tries  to relax, reading a home improvement magazine, as she waits for  Dr. Know to tell her she is cured

the man in a wheel chair, big and strong, who needs help getting thru the bathroom door, his foot bandaged   " can you believe I am sixty "he says, when asked if he was a  football player at one time... he says yes, he played for the Rays,    and now he waits for Dr Know, to check his cast, his broken leg, and his spirit that still wants to play

the invisible patients do not speak,  they sit  ... hoping their name,  the  important name, will be called next...  so their trip can end...........

Marilyn Nepp    oct 12, 2017

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

This is a sensitive look at what appears to be the waiting room of an ER. It sounds like a scene taken from real life, capturing quite well the hope, fear and pathos that can be seen in such a place any day. The last stanza reflected very accurately the feelings of the many who wait and wait and wait. In this sense it could be seen as a metaphor for life. Well done.

[marilyn 1225]

thank you, a medical center where I also wait every two weeks... your words are kind and very encouraging.

[Katie]

Can definitely feel the different emotions in this poem. Great poem!

[marilyn 1225]

Katie, your review is so kind.. makes me glad that you liked it... thank you!!

[Coyote Poetry]

I dislike the doctor office. I liked to keep clear of them. I liked your description. Make the office come alive in vision. Thank you Marilyn for sharing your words and thoughts.
Coyote

[marilyn 1225]

Thanks once again... I go to the medical center often, am one of the faces there waiting...

[Coyote Poetry]

I need to go. I'm a regular. Won't go till it is too late. You are welcome Marilyn.

[peter Duggan]

Nice write Marilyn. Your words paint a sad picture of any kind of medical centre. Places I hate to be in. my heart goes out for all these poor souls who have to face bad health. I enjoyed the read, my friend....Peter

[marilyn 1225]

thank you so much, Peter for reading and your kind words appreciated

[Tom]

Yes, pensive as they each are, they have a story to tell, and guess who's gonna hear it first, yep, Dr Know!

A common daily occurrence, yet no less intriguing, an astutely penned, life observation Marilyn!

[marilyn 1225]

well if Dr. Know is a shrink he will...but maybe not the cardio man... thanks for such kind words... you who can write so well

[Chris]

Very understanding, empathetic and observant.

[marilyn 1225]

Thank you , as always.