I’m back in my car but I may as well be walking. Traffic forgot how to move and I think I’m high on exhaust. In the rearview mirror, in my back seat, you’re looking at me, brown eyes too big. Nose too straight. You’re young. Younger than I remember you.
On the street, a phone rings. Not a cell. One of those old payphones the city forgot to take down. It rings and rings. I roll up the window to shut it out, but I still hear.
Can you get it? You say it like you used to. But my mirror shows you gone. I glance back, not trusting myself. I never did trust myself.
The phone stops mid-ring and all I want is for one more chance to say hello.
2 Replies to “Collect Call”
I loved this piece. Not only did it bring back memories, but brought me to tears missing those phone calls from my beloved John. I think this piece relates to the world in general, as everyone, everywhere has lost someone either through death or divorce.
Mary, you’re right, all of us can name a person, family or friend, that has been close to us at some point in our lives and are no longer with us. The question is what would we say to them if we could have one more conversation?
Word of the Year-2025
For my 2025 word of the year, I chose COURAGE. I know, it’s not the most original pick—but hear me out. Something about courage stuck with me this time, especially after watching a documentary on The Tragically Hip. For those unfamiliar, they’re kind of a Canadian thing. A band that
Hinterland is Real
They say seeing is believing. I didn’t know what that meant until that night. I was coming home late, later than I should, and I knew I was going to catch heck. Momma didn’t even pretend to be patient when me or my sister wasn’t home in time for dinner.
Deadly Mist
The mist crept closer, slithering across the boot prints she left behind on the soft, moist ground. She urged her legs to go faster over the uneven path. A leafless tree grabbed at the flying strands of her long silver hair as she ran past. They hung like shiny tinsel