Waiting to be called for the appointment
Anxiety heightened senses make me acutely aware of footsteps
Outside the waiting room in the hospital outpatient department:
Over this seeming eternity, I can distinguish
The heavy reluctant tread of tired workers
Scurrying squeaking shoes of the practical team player
Steady steps of porter with squeaky wheelchair
Smart tacking heels of the young professional –
Clinician or manager? Hard to tell.
And the hesitant sound of patients approaching the desk
To sign in
And await their turn.
Jo Hansen 