Red Line

sirens hum from outside

chatter rushes double-time

gurneys turning

like the Strip Circuit.

D?

IV bags skittering across

wheelchairs thrust

past the apex

the turn into surgery-

might not see th-

Dolores? Hey Dolores?

these samples

they’re waiting for you.

–

I am-

I don’t recognize the nurses

the doctors

the patients

cost of a double shift.

LED panels

burn into my retinas

samples cradled-

spinout-

–

overheating… whimpering-

frosty vinyl tile holds me close

i think,

i’ll stay here.

for

a pit stop.

–

sharp beeps

revving

faster, faster

blinders peeling,

on shaky toes,

samples unscathed…

one more

patient,

patience.