The waiting room

a purgatory for the living
where you hear the flatline ringing out
singing to welcome the new soul
to a world of uncertainty
and with each ring I jump
It’s a constant horror movie not knowing
if the next songs dedicated to you

But sitting in this ugly green chair
surrounded by white walls that merge
into a never ending hall
where devils of your past
take the form of men and women that pass
Walking down the hall like aisles
towards the alter at a wedding
are convincing me that I could be next

A child is hand in hand
with his parents giggling and smiling
But with each step
the parents are further apart
slowly tearing the boy in half

The child now a young adult
falling in and out of love
like a child with their toys
Every step a new girl appears
rapidly interchanging never knowing who will stay

He’s walks with his Grandparents
discussing music and cowboy flicks
but with each step they slowly disappear
closing their eyes to welcome
the song that is now dedicated to them
until he's alone again

A man walks by carrying garbage bags
full of lies and mistakes
Another man cleaning the floors until they shine
but the black streaks don't fade
and with each worker I pray
to never become them
I may not be dying but the longer
I'm in this waiting room
I can’t help but think

I rather be dead