Waiting Room

She sits alone in the waiting room —

Her leg bounces in an anxious cadence.

Every so often a ringing phone joins her

ong in uncanny syncopation.

Peeling her wide eyes from her feet,

She finds her gaze fixed upon a muted TV,

A sorry attempt to brighten the dull room.

The flickering images provide no consolation,

Only a distraction from the uncertainty that fills the air.

She takes a deep breath pining for relief

Only for uncertainty to fill her lungs.

The white fluorescent lights expose every

Line and shadow on her tired face.

She waits restlessly to hear her name called.

Yet she fears that once it is,

She would miss the quiet.