Oblivious To All

As swiftly as it empties, the waiting
responding to their names called, the
open room with its sturdy chairs arrayed
side by side, fills again with those awaiting
appointments. Light from the gloomy,
dark-clouded exterior streams through
windows, a wall-mounted television
catches the eye spewing the comfort
of the ordinary. Electrocardiogram done,
some return to wait. Others wheeled in
their chairs by orderlies, companions
anxiously waiting. People sit blank-faced,
some scanning magazines, reading novels,
studiously avoid meeting others' eyes
lest they be captured by another's misery.
Steady, confident strides of health
professionals provide a staccato backdrop
from the corridor. Pudgy men, slow of
movement and reaction view the moving
screen aloft then shuffle along when called
to their appointments. Elderly wisps of
white-haired women spryly leap to attention,
hailed to their EKGs, while others sit morosely
squat, draping excess flesh over chair seats,
slowly unwrapping candy bars, muffins.