Writing Prompts for the Family Waiting Room, Surgical Unit

Write about a time when you were scared, but everything turned out ok. Write about a time when it didn’t. Write about probability, percentages, chances are. Write a love letter to the body part undergoing surgery. To the person. Describe the room you’re in: chevron chairs backed against seafoam walls, an armless ochre couch, the TV tuned to a daytime talk show, its host demonstrating how to dance like a boy band. Describe the surgical board, how the left column identifies each patient as a number in the mathematical language of hospitals. Describe the couple whispering and laughing quietly in the corner; how you envy their ease. Describe the smell. What is the scent of waiting? Write about home. Start with: I remember. Write about what you hope for as if it has already happened. The board shows six hours of Status: In OR. Remember there is only the now.