Waiting Room

Waiting Room

This is a place of equality
a place of expectation
where all who enter
hope for a quick and easy resolution.
Waiting on--
it could be anything--
innocuous reasons
or life and death.
But the waiting room
remains a place of expectation
where the result is unknown,
the future untold.
Resignation,
boredom,
protocol,
grief,
excitement
quiet whispering,
arguing siblings,
helpless bureaucrats following endless rules.
Overheard parts of conversation
are tantalizing and mysterious.
Guessing background and stories
can ease boredom and tension.
The longer the wait
the more impossible it seems
that an answer will be brought forth.
But all are eventually released
from the waiting room.

 Marsha Salerno 9-09

Overdrive

Overdrive

Driving at night

black road black night

headlights attempt illumination.

Is it enough light?

Drive on -- blindly.

My body feels frozen --disembodied—

I am alone, trying

to trust the other souls

driving this night-shrouded route.

My legs are gone.

Only the pressure of the pedal

and my hands on the wheel exist.

My companion stirs

"Are you ok?" I laugh,

paranoia ebbs. 

Daddy Sang That Song

Daddy Sang That Song

It is bittersweet
to have a memory
powerful and complete
that brings with it a strong emotion,
a good memory
that a smell or song evokes
but seeing it now
with the loved one gone
brings a deep sadness
which cannot be quenched with reason.
A reason which says
--Hey--
it's good to remember good times
and pleasant things.
But the sadness
oozes out with tears
even though it is a smile
that should come
and a thankfulness for the memory
not this overwhelming melancholy.

 Marsha Salerno