Waiting

Karaoke has just started.
18 people have been pushed into position
Where they can watch the screen,
Listen to the music and enjoy.

Most appear to be sleeping,
Their frail, immobile, bodies
Bear witness to races run,
And limited futures.

One octogenarian makes her way
To our visitor table.
Pushing her wheelchair between us
She has questions to ask.

Unable to fully express herself,
She listens to our conversation,
Hoping to find purchase.
This is not a place for aspirations.

Billed as a rehabilitation center
It serves as a human holding tank,
Where all, all, save one, are waiting.
A place where old people
Revert to childhood,
Suffer pain, indignity and death