November 2022
Skip Bushby
patrick.bushby@gmail.com
Bio Note: Raised and nurtured in the Susquehanna River Valley of Upstate N.Y., I’ve written poetry since my youth. Approaching my seventieth year, I’ve committed to publishing some of these poems. Since joining Verse-Virtual last year, I’ve enjoyed reading the poems in each issue as well as the Quote of the Day. Last Spring, I published my poem, “UVALDE, in Memoriam,” in the online publication, Common Sense for the Eastern Shore, and was honored by the chance to share the link with V-V’s vibrant community of writers.

Waiting Room

We wait
for our names
to be called
one at a time
all in our
inside-out blue gowns
with the terrible necktie
backsides flapping
on the cool chairs
hands folded
quiet
nods of recognition
this satellite pod
citizens now
of the no longer here
but the not quite there

we wait
acolytes
humbled 
by the care
sitting shiva
in a certain
state of grace

slim and tall
in sterile whites
the radiologist calls
my birth name
crossing it	
off the roster
as I answer
“Here.”
My friends 
looking up
hope 
in their eyes
as I stand
and rise
exiting
There
©2022 Skip Bushby
Editor's Note: If this poem(s) moves you please consider writing to the author (email address above) to say what it is about the poem you like. Writing to the author is what builds the community at Verse Virtual. It is very important. -JL