Only those white walls under fluorescent lights know the full truth.

How much suffering exists in humanity.

Echoed in unrestrained sobs heard by everyone else present.

The lengths that people go to in order to live.

Torture willingly accepted out of desperation.

The hideous ugly bits shown in fat, flesh, bone and the gritting of teeth.

How unreal it looks under the bright overhead lights.

Like a nightmare for someone practiced in the grotesque.

How many shaking hands have gripped the handrails next to the bed?

An agonizing show of strength and beauty.

A show of willpower against the unasked for.

I could never say how many people have won or lost.

Or what flavor of humanity comes out on top in the end.

Only those pale walls know.