The Waiting Room

Gold cherry
Poem of the week

By Bee

Mon, 18 May 2015
  • 17401 reads
51 comments
 

All eye contact is strictly avoided

like a taboo - each wondering

about the other women's -

as yet, untold secrets. Who 



will leave the building smiling,

and will there be one, or more

hiding red eyes and regrets

for neglecting to come sooner?



My name is called. I rise and feel

a fraud, especially knowing

there will be some who actually 

need to be here - 





It's the expressions on practiced

faces that gives the game away.

After all the kneading and squeezing

has been completed, and pictures



scrutinized, comes the crunch. 

A needle punch pincushions

me to the core; a length of steel

pierces the shell to impale the hidden 



limpets of armpits - only screamed once.

Advanced. The word hangs

in the air. You don't go back from here

to the waiting room - except to collect



your unsuspecting partner. Cosy,

the pretty box with a soft settee he's lost 

in - flower printed cushions and curtains -

walls painted cream; tasteful, for hospital.





After you have broken and comforted 

your man, you are deemed ready to begin

the dreaded journey they assure you

is the only road to recovery. You'll do it, too,



because it seems there is no choice. 

There'll be time to cry. But you would give 

your left breast to go back to the waiting 

room and start over... 



 

Certificate 15
Poem
Autobiography

Comments

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Bee

Sorry to be so long in getting to this. I took a week of going on the site to do some editing on other writing that I've done.

This is so painfully honest, and I think that is necessary if writing on the subject it to be meaningful. The reader has to feel your emotions, which we certainly do in this.

And your honesty will possibly help others who suspect a problem to get it dealt with more swiftly.

As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Bee on

Thank you Jean. Your words, thoughts and prayers mean so much. And yes, if it could swift just one person onto the road to recovery, the wtiting would be worthwhile. 

X

Bee

Submitted by Bee on

Poem of the week! That's such an honour. 

Thank you.

Bee

Submitted by Mark Say on

Real punch in the gut stuff. Excellent poem Bee.

 

Submitted by Bee on

Thank you Mark.

Bee

Submitted by Stephen Thom on

i hope your wonderful expression continues to be a support...i read above you are putting together a collection, i am excited to read it, i would love to own a copy of your work, your art shimmers and glows. best thoughts.

 

Submitted by Bee on

You've made my evening! Thank you, Stephen, so much for your encouraging words, and especially 'best thoughts.' 

Best to you, too.

x

Bee

Submitted by Denzella on

Bee,

What can I say?  This is devastating news, but oh so courageous of you to express  how you feel.  I am in awe of not only your bravery but your talent which has always been apparent.  You have always given me support and if there is anything I can do to support you at this difficult time, then please message me.  

Moya x 

 

Submitted by Bee on

Thanks so much, Moya. I'll send you an email. X

Bee

Submitted by airyfairy on

Thank you for your courage in posting this, and so many good wishes to you.  I have one friend who is just going through the same thing, and one who seems to have come through.  I hope they will both agree to see this, as it so captures what they have spoken about.  It's a great piece. 

Submitted by Bee on

Hi airy.

Thank you for reading, and for your kind words. My very best wishes to your friends, also.

xx

Bee

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Been away for a week, so only just seen this, Bee. So sorry, and it's good you can share so vividly/empathetically. Only one who goes through things can really sympathise comprehendingly, though travelling other difficulties give some understanding and affection. Pray you'll know the comfort of the Holy Spirit through each day. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Bee on

I found your words really comforting. Thank you, Rhiannon.

Bee

Submitted by Art of the Diver on

As always you tell it as it is Bee... Heartfelt and subtly direct

We feel the spectrum of emotions within the waiting room as they attach themselves to each stanza and I'm sure, it's your strength of character, your pulse, that we feel within each word reread...

A very brave message and worthy awards winner I feel...

Take care my friend... this journey will make you stronger, I'm sure you will see

xxx

Rob

Submitted by Bee on

There's strength to be found in your words. Thanks Art - very much appreciated. 

Bee

Submitted by Deliberately Ev... on

This is a very powerful poem. I don't have much more to say about that. 

The beat of your heart is the mellifluent rhythm to my soul.

Submitted by Bee on

Thanks Accidentally. Much appreciated.

Bee

Submitted by catherine poarch on

I am so glad that this got the golden cherries but so sad that you've had to write it. Keep writing. Lots of love. xx

 

Submitted by Bee on

Thanks Catherine.

xx

Bee

Submitted by RJF on

Bee, I havent been on ABC for ages ad now I have sat and read all you latest poems and prose in one go and I am absolutely stunned at your talent and your strength and the way you tell your story with a touch of humour as well as revealing the bare bones of emotion. I don't have the words to express how much you blow me away. Sending my love. RJ x

 

Submitted by Bee on

Hi R. I'm blown away you took the time to read all those. Thank you so much for doing that, and for your kind words. Pleased you got some Humour from it, too. 

Xxx

Bee

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