Answering Machines

Reflection of a woman who has lost her partner recently

Time goes by slowly without you

our house quiet and full of echoes

my existence a sock with a large hole

it will take me a long time

to darn this one

 

In your den I have moved

most of your things into boxes

except for your beloved pipe

it still carries its aromatic odors

 

I have kept your favorite sweater

in the dark it sleeps by my head

bringing your familiar scent once more

reaching for you like always

 

I call our phone again and again

to hear the timbre of your voice

breathing in every nuance of each syllable

disturbing your new ghostly life

 

It has more meaning than odors

or letters with faded photographs

for a returning fleeting moment

you and I are together once again

 

You ask me to leave a message

I whisper I miss you honey

Author's Note

Just let me know if this is a poem or not