Tracing veins in the waiting room floor.
a prayer seeps from me and sublimates.

Being in the OR is so much simpler
than sitting here, tending catastrophes

I bet you’ve never had so much money at once in your life!

A woman’s face aglow from her phone.
Tinny laughter from its tiny speakers.

I withdraw my earbuds conspicuously
trying to model good behavior.

You can’t wear white lace to a wedding. Are you on crack!

I keep my music low, so I’ll hear:
“Williams family, come to consulting”

I dawdle with Wordle and other games,
my nervy supplication steadily dripping.

I know it! I swear she could get lost in a round room.