The Waiting Room
By Dr. Michelle R. LaFlamme
Alfoce Center, the block lettering
On the Wall
Where I used to work
In my long white coat
Not that long ago
I saw MY patient there, waiting
Now I sit with trepidation
Cold and tired
Arms akimbo
Afraid to ask for a blanket
Which I used to GIVE
and I spied them in their shinny warmer
Unreachable
Arms up, another scan
The Donut of Truth
That's what we called it
When I was in charge
I peered down the hall
Saw my old colleagues working
They seemed far and hazy
And I couldn't reach them even in thought
AS I hit the EXIT button
And drifted away
I realized the line between doctor and patient
Is obscure
And that
I loathe the Waiting Room.