an unexpected call
been years
since we’ve talked
so
initially flattered
and
responded
at
length
to
the youth’s
questions
then
started to hear
a familiar tone
the one
we’ve all heard
you know
that
move
the story along tone
punctuated
with
the repeated phrase
i just called to
i just called to
that mantra
no doubt
used by cornered rats
that’s when
one
recalls
those phone queries
from
parents
about
academics
and
grades
when
heading out
to
a bar
called
the library
so
as not to lie
would simply say
can’t talk right now
have a date
with
the library
with
that memory
in
mind
the young caller’s
abruptly
told
oh my
i’ve got to go
please
call again
soon
knowing damn well
it will be another ten years
before
another
courtesy call
as he lie dying the phone rang taking the call he found a distant family member on the line who asked how he was doing he said everything’s going as planned hung up and died with a broad smile on his face having left them disappointed about his successful plans
listen child
i ain’t gonna lie
to you
that
man
could drive
anyone
to
drink
and
sometimes
he says things
that
could curdle milk
but
you ain’t
gonna find
a finer man
working hard
for
his family
working
two
or
three jobs
just
to assure
nobody goes hungry
or
can’t have enough
of
their
wants
to
convince them
dreams
can come
true
so
if you start
putting him down
you may find
yourself
on
the ground
outside your window
black crows
like
impending death
linger
waiting
for
a motionless corpse
before
approaching
no need
for
them
to rush
and
risk
resistance
from
you
they know
death
will arrive
and
you
will die
and they
will
feast
Read Between the Minds 