Today I Go To the Medical Clinic

I am in the medical clinic new baby squeaks out a distress cry sounds like a drowning cat we are all masked I forgot to wear mine in so they slapped a pink one on me I am the third in line a young woman comes in and stands by door tries to sneak to front of line receptionist points behind me and says “go to end of line” at least ten people are sitting in the main reception room two inches away from each other’s chairs many cough into their masks germs are crawling up their legs, spilling out their eyes Invisible baby's cries are getting louder Someone’s phone plays a silly tune My phone rings It is my husband trying to face time me in a clinic? I press the red button three times he finally gives up and texts something he should have done in the first place An unseen toddler shrieks MOMMY! MOMMY! All the women look up We might be smiling Hard to say with masks which hide our humanness tall thin young guy wearing enormous black mask walks in looks like he is ready to pull out a pistol if you rob a medical clinic what do you get? I ask if I can sit in the overflow lobby where no one is sitting I do not relish catching all these contagious diseases these people probably have malaria and diptheria I hear the receptionist’s voice get louder “Sir, have you ever been here before?” She is talking to the black mask guy He says “no” “Whose card is this?” she asks him. “My wife’s, it’s a new card for me”. Three women in scrubs walk in carrying their lunch in brown bags. the masked guy says “Her phone number? Okay”. For all the receptionist knows, she could be calling anybody. She asks the person their name. I am rolling my eyes now. The nurses are laughing as they walk by I want to shush them Trying to follow the soap opera at the reception desk It has been twelve minutes since the last patient has been taken back the doctors are probably at lunch We are probably all sitting here for nothing As the main room empties out, I inch my way over there The man who has his wife’s credit card is sitting in the chair I wanted I try not to pout