why are you here

here, fill out this form,
you are told
by the nurse, is she a nurse,
or just someone
wearing green scrubs
to look like one. but she has
a chart,
a pen, a tag, and something
around her waist
that has buttons.
you are told, to keep
your questions down to one.
the doctor is very busy.
and yes, we know it's your
first visit, but
there is so little time.
so please, ask only one question
concerning your health.
you sigh. you take the clipboard
and the pen
and go sit down.
you close your eyes
and imagine a different world.
a world of
love and compassion, of
unhurried concern.
of a tender hand on your
shoulder and a thank
you for choosing us to take
care of you.
you try to think of what
to write in the open white
space asking
why are you here. finally
you write the word.
sadness.