A Prayer

There are so many needs in this room

This place of waiting

Winter, and we’re all in gray

Or navy

Or black

Colors of mourning

One is here for x-rays

Another for a blood draw

Here is a walker that glides on wheels and tennis balls

Steered steadily by gnarled hands

And there a cane

One lady clutches her husband’s arm

As he steers her through the doorway

They pass me as they exit

Murmuring to each other

I’ve brought my bride of fifteen years here

To start cancer screening

I swallow hard as her name is called

And whisper

Lord, have mercy

But you know better than I ever will

Still

Lord, have mercy

Amen