The Hospital Waiting Room Poem by Deanna Samuels

Waiting in the hospital waiting room revolves a person into another world
Everyone waiting is so serious, thinking to themselves - why is the wait so long?
A scheduled appointment time was for an hour ago, now it's way passed that
The silence is so loud, a twitter or even cough or sneeze would bring relief

People sit and stare before them not wanting to catch another's eye
That would mean a smile, a hello and then asking what brings you here?
Conversation is not wanted, just anxious that their name be called
Get on with the appointment, to know what they will soon be told

Lots of patients look down at iPods and phones to while away the time
Fingering on key pads, playing quiet games to avoid breaking the silent air
Their tension eases as the minutes tick by, though not really fully relaxed
As all the while, aware, at any moment, their name could be called next

The wait continues to feel endless, nerves begin to rise, patience on the wane
A sudden stir, a door opens, a nurse appears, a person's name announced
They exit quickly though quietly, to wherever told to go - then silence again
More waiting, another stir, a given name is called, the long wait is finally over!


Written while waiting in a hospital Waiting Room at Richmond Hill, Ontario - 22nd June 2018.