May 8, 2021
Again, in the waiting room wearing a mask.
My wife’s doing rehab and waiting’s my task.
The people are friendly, but I miss the smile.
Thanks to the Covid it’s been quite a while.
I can see in their eyes if a smile’s underneath.
I can see in their jaw if they’re clinching their teeth.
I can still see the tears as they roll down a face.
It’s hard to hold back and not touch and embrace.
In the hospital entrance as folks come and go,
I’m sure they have questions, but answers are slow.
Will my loved one survive? Will they make it alright?
Will they be here tomorrow, or leave me tonight?
So many in need, yet must visit alone.
Their sharing can only be done through a phone.
I pray when it’s over, life’s normal once more,
We’ll value compassion much more than before.