On the ninth floor
Matt’s habitat of
Hope and quicksand

The CAT Scan

That all-searching probe
That will unshroud
My unconscious son’s future

Is always scheduled
In the murk
Of night

For the eighth straight day
A nurse delivers
The same message

“He’ll be brought down
At 3:00 a.m.
Call me at 4:00”

I awaken
At 4:00
Say a prayer

Fight back fear
Say another prayer
Make the fated call.