purgatory bingo

in the waiting room we talk about super bowls
& rice makers. uncle jo is there eating 
a twinkie. then, the fine china is on the floor
& no one seems to know what is coming next.
there are bells on the walls. old ladies &
a girl i sat next to in seventh grade science class.
she's popping pink gum. there are teeth in my pocket.
i keep it to myself. maybe there is a list
with names. maybe there is another room full
of light & free toothpaste. i count none of my boyfriends
& all of my girlfriends here. an empty water cooler.
a television & all i can think is "soon. so soon."