telephone

hi.
i am grateful for greetings
because otherwise i would
get hung up in the sound
of your voice.

hi gives me something to say,
something human. i hear you
but i need acknowledgement
of who i am before i
continue.

hi.
my heartbeat is closing
my throat and collapsing
my lungs. funny how
you raise that in me.

hi.
i love you.
she’s dead.
i can’t do this.
i’m sorry.

after hi
i’m lost on what to say.
i can’t form the words
beyond acknowledging
i owe you my voice.