waiting for your turn

this too is life,

you

say to yourself as you sit

in the waiting

room

at the doctor's office,

waiting your

turn,

waiting for

your number and name

to flash

up on the screen.

you glance around,

not staring,

but still,

how can you not notice

the bandages,

the wounds, the blue bruises,

and feet

without shoes.

how can you not

see the tears and hear

the crying

of the young and old

together.

this too is life 

you say to yourself.

waiting

your turn, for what waits

around

the corner for what's

next.