I've gone through each magazine.
I've read all the articles.
It's time now to move past periodicals.
I shrug my shoulders and stretch my back.
I tap my fingers.
Tap tap tap.
I've memorized each crevice of wallpaper design,
Each color and pattern and every fine line...
The doctor will see me now.
I stand up and brace myself,
Wipe the sweat from my brow.
No matter if unsure or scared,
Although I may be ill-prepared
It's time now to leave the waiting room.
Author's Notes/Comments:
“Waiting Room” was written June 11, 2008 on the eve of my 21st birthday. It was a moment of wishful thinking at a time of life that was supposed to be celebratory and full of taking stock moments but that in reality felt empty and unsatisfactory. I declared myself still in the waiting room but determined to head out of it – the implication that there was something coming worth waiting for and heading toward. As I found out, there was. This was part of the overall lackluster “21” collection released July 24, 2008.