The Waiting Room Poem by Dorothy (Alves) Holmes

Pensive, empty faces
Young and old
Keeping idle chatter
Above the noise of squirming, squealing babies...
Mothers forge patience while stuffing tots with
Popcorn and soda pop pacifiers.
The clock, under constant scrutiny, glares back
The hour,10 a.m.
Someone mumbles 'I've been here since 8! '
The nurse, in her crispy white, gives an annoyed glance
But apoligizes for our absentee doctor,
Explains, 'He's running late'...
No news to us!
We play musical chairs to the rhythmic click - click
Of the lavatory doors, going for temporary relief,
Having kept the water fountain busy.
Fl; oor pacers sigh and stretch,
A teenage girl stumbles in from the adjoining alcoholic
Clinic...her partner steadying her in embarrassed calm,
Someone giggled behind me, the nurse's stare brings
Chilled quietness.
Soon the waiting is over as names are called
Indifferently over the loud speaker -
Folks disappear enthusiastically - soon to return
In a twilight state.
Children, now being cooed lovingly, with reasurring
Touches...
Then, suddenly my name -
I smiled - someone finally said it right!
It seems all eyes follow me
Someone yells 'Good luck, Kid! '
I answered 'If I holler, make 'em let me to! '
For the first time laughter...
I leave the waiting room stoutheartedly,
The best dentist in town awaited me!

(Dedicated to Dr. Curtis Adams)