sister

sister

i'm walking down the hallway, past
doors leading into rooms which hold failing
lives, silent televisions and mint green
blankets which never seem warm enough. i'm

waiting for news on you, holding my
breath and coffee, careful not to spill
my heart as i avert my eyes away from
someone leaning against the wall. a doctor
is paged by a bored and boring voice. i'm willing

you okay, wishing back the hours and years,
hoping for a better outcome than what
might be expected. it's strange, walking these
carpeted floors with matching carpeted walls, like
they weren't sure which way was up.