Twilight from closed curtains is
soothing for sleep deprived eyes.
Quiet whispers, families contemplate
ventilators, sedated loved ones
and impending doctor visits. Sweet
cleaning lady empties the trash
cans of crumpled coffee cups
and “breakfast on the go” bags, swabs
the wet floor of steamy bathrooms
recently cleansing the tired bodies
and flagging spirits of the ones who
live in the waiting room.
It’s 11:00, time for the second
visit of the day and the ritual
walk down the long hall to the SICU.