As you wait for your father
at the doctor’s
try to be patient
no matter how long it takes
and how long you wait
for him to toddle over
to the agreed-upon pickup point.

You do not know what
his appointment is like
and, though it is frustrating
to wait in the darkness,
do not curse him out
before he enlightens you.

The meeting
may not go well.
The news
may not be good.
The tidings may be ill.

The anticipation will suck
but
allow your father
to inform you
of the prognosis
at his own pace
after the doctor’s visit.

It yields the best of all possible outcomes.
Trust me.